Icons for six of the ten categories of nature-based solutions described in the catalogue, Illustration Menno Diersmann Wageningen Environmental Research recently published a catalogue on nature-based solutions to societal challenges.
The publication is more than a mere showcasing of possibilities. It also discusses the practical aspects of nature-based solutions. Co-editor Daan Verstand considers it a great precursor to the start of the NL2120 Growth Fund programme.
There are many options to use nature in addressing societal challenges. Crustacean banks to protect the coast, for example, or increasing the groundwater level to reduce CO2 emissions. But what measure is best in what context? And what about practical aspects, drawbacks, and, last but not least, financial aspects? The catalogue provides answers to questions such as these.
Natural system leading
The publication is arranged into ten different categories of nature-based solutions. Zo-editor Daan Verstand, a Climate Resilience researcher, says: ‘We hope this offers practicable insights into the diversity, advantages and examples of these solutions.’
The catalogue is based on the previously published perspective on a green Netherlands in 2120 and the accompanying design for the Dutch city in 2120, with the city of Arnhem as a practical example. Both future scenarios are based on a situation in which the natural systems are leading, with spatial plans and solutions based on nature. This approach is well-received. There is a rapidly increasing interest in nature-based solutions, for which the catalogue offers footing.
Policymakers
The catalogue targets primarily policymakers, the introduction states. Verstand says: ‘Who the target audience is is always a difficult question. We have seen that municipalities, provinces and water authorities are investigating the possibilities nature-based solutions have to offer, but the catalogue is certainly also suited for interested private parties such as engineering agencies and regional development bureaus.’
Despite focusing heavily on the Dutch context, an English translation (with the same Netherlands-based content) is currently being developed, as there is also a great international interest in this topic.
Grow Fund Programme
The catalogue is meant to provide an overview, Verstand explains. ‘Two pages per solutions category does not leave enough room for much detail. The added value of this catalogue is its comprehensive overview, showing and structuring the broad palette of options.’ Those who desire more details will soon be offered just that when the NL2120 knowledge and innovation programme launches. This programme has been awarded 110 million euros by the National Growth Fund, which aims to uncover knowledge and insights that are needed to implement nature-inclusive solutions on a large scale. ‘Within this programme, we will, for example, monitor and quantify the effects of each of the different nature-based solutions’, Verstand clarifies. The programme is to launch on 1 May.
