Handbook for the Implementation of Nature Based Solutions for Water Security

NAIAD/Monica A.Altamirano

The primary objective is to guide the development of investable NbS projects by developing a fit for purpose implementation arrangement, including governance, funding, financing and contracting choices. It offers project preparation guidelines, including hands-on formats that project proponents can use iteratively to develop the full business case of NbS, enabling them to go from idea stage towards an investment proposal that can be effectively assessed by potential public and/or private sector investors. The handbook is aimed at NbS project proponents like NGOs, communities and government agencies wanting to learn about the investor’s perspective, key concepts and tools, and vice versa; investors willing to increase their exposure to NbS, ecosystem conservation or restoration projects for water security. This makes the handbook a comprehensive and first of a kind document that customizes the process of developing a business case to the specificities of NbS investments. The handbook builds on a collaborative and inclusive project preparation approach titled Financing Framework for Water Security (FFWS) which aims to set in motion a multisectoral and transdisciplinary process that bridges strategic planning and investment planning phases. The primary objective is to guide the development of investable NbS projects by developing a fit for purpose implementation arrangement, including governance, funding, financing and contracting choices. It offers project preparation guidelines, including hands-on formats that project proponents can use iteratively to develop the full business case of NbS, enabling them to go from idea stage towards an investment proposal that can be effectively assessed by potential public and/or private sector investors.

The handbook offers:
• A step by step guide for developing the NbS business case: how to choose a mode of governance for the project, a funding strategy, a financing strategy and a procurement strategy (Chapter 1)
• A project preparation facility toolbox with a compendium of all the analysis grid, checklist, methods to prepare in a collaborative way NbS projects and design a complete project preparation roadmap (chapters 1 and 3); starting with an intake assessment form (Appendix A) and in some cases requiring the development or further detailing of the NbS strategy through a strategic planning process (chapter 2), and including collaborative modelling protocols to guide the design of stakeholder engagement workshops.
• An analysis of barriers for public and private investment in NbS, of the specificities of NbS project and the bankability implications of building with nature (Chapter 4).
• Illustration and inspiration from three of H2020 NAIAD demo cases in the EU and one demo case in Indonesia from the Water as Leverage programme (Chapter 5), as well from pioneering and successful NbS implementation arrangements worldwide.
• More generally, it offers a sound basis for capacity building in developing an investment plan.

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19377.71524