A framework for assessing and implementing the co-benefits of nature-based solutions in urban areas

• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2017.07.008
• Publication Date: 2017-07-26T13:09:08Z
• Authors: Christopher M. Ra...; Niki Frantzeskaki; Nadja Kabisch; Pam Berry; Margaretha Breil; Mihai Razvan Nita; Davide Geneletti; Carlo Calfapietra
• Keywords: Climate Resilience; Resilience

To address challenges associated with climate resilience, health and well-being in urban areas, current policy platforms are shifting their focus from ecosystem-based to nature-based solutions (NBS), broadly defined as societal that inspired supported by nature. NBS result the provision of co-benefits, such improvement place attractiveness, quality life, creation green jobs. Few frameworks exist for acknowledging assessing value co-benefits guide cross-sectoral project design implementation. In this paper, we firstly developed a holistic framework (and costs) across elements socio-cultural socio-economic systems, biodiversity, ecosystems climate. The was guided review over 1700 documents science practice within 10 relevant cities globally. We found can have environmental, social economic and/or costs both these challenges. On base, develop propose seven-stage process situating co-benefit assessment seven stages include: 1) identify problem or opportunity; 2) select assess related actions; 3) implementation processes; 4) implement NBS; 5) frequently engage stakeholders communicate co-benefits; 6) transfer upscale 7) monitor evaluate all stages. conclude together represent valuable tool guiding thinking identifying multiple values