Capturing the Values and Making the Business Case for Nature-Based Solutions - a step by step guide

Konijnendijk, C., Di Cagno, F., Borelli, S., Wild, T. 

This guide is designed for anyone involved in or advocating for the planning, proposition, and implementation of Nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban and peri-urban areas.

Who Can Use This Guide?

• Citizens and community groups who want to implement NBS within their block, neighborhood, or beyond.
• City councils or municipal departments responsible for urban planning.
• NGOs and local organizations focused on sustainable urban development.

The guide aims to facilitate NBS adoption in urban areas by highlighting the economic and non-monetary benefits these solutions offer to communities and ecosystems. It provides step-by-step instructions and tools to help users capture and communicate the value of NBS, enabling them to build a comprehensive "Valorization Case." This case is intended to secure necessary support for NBS initiatives, including funding.

The resulting Valorization Case can be used to gain support from:

• Funders: This includes public authorities, private foundations, and businesses that can provide financial support for NBS projects.
• Decision-makers: Such as mayors, city councils, public officials, and planning departments who have the authority to authorize, approve, or facilitate the implementation of NBS initiatives.
• Local communities: Including residents and community groups who are directly impacted by NBS projects and whose support is crucial for the relevance and long-term sustainability of these initiatives.

The methods proposed in this guide have been tested in five cities as part of the Conexus project: Barcelona, Lisbon, Turin, Lima, and Buenos Aires.