Insights

The NbS European Perspective

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) are actions that work with natural ecosystems to address societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and urbanization. In Europe, NbS are a cornerstone of sustainable urban planning, aligning with the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. These solutions are integral to achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing resilience in cities and industries.

Examples of NbS in Europe

1. Urban Greening Projects:
   Milan, Italy: The "Bosco Verticale" (Vertical Forest) integrates vegetation into skyscrapers to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and enhance biodiversity.
   Paris, France: The "Plan Canopée" project expands green roofs and walls to mitigate heat waves and improve urban livability.

2. Coastal Protection:
   Netherlands: The "Room for the River" initiative creates floodplains and restores wetlands to manage water levels and protect communities.
   Spain: Coastal dune restoration projects in Valencia provide natural buffers against rising sea levels.

3. Restoring Ecosystems:
   Germany: The Elbe River floodplain restoration helps mitigate flooding, improves water quality, and boosts biodiversity.
   Denmark: Agroforestry initiatives combine trees with agriculture to enhance soil quality and sequester carbon.
   

How Can European Cities and Private Institutions Adapt NbS?

For Cities:

1. Green Infrastructure: Expand urban parks, plant street trees, and develop green corridors to connect biodiversity hotspots and reduce urban heat.
   Example: Copenhagen’s "Cloudburst Management Plan" uses parks and retention ponds to absorb excess rainwater from storms.

2. Water Management: Restore rivers, wetlands, and natural water retention areas to address flooding and improve water quality.
   Example: Vienna’s Lobau wetlands protect against flooding while offering recreational opportunities.

3. Climate Mitigation: Support urban cooling through tree planting, green roofs, and shading infrastructure.
   Example: Barcelona’s urban tree strategy aims to double tree cover by 2037.
   

For Private Institutions:

1. Green Building Standards: Adopt EU sustainable construction certifications like BREEAM and incorporate NbS in designs (e.g., rooftop gardens, rainwater harvesting systems).
   Example: Siemens’ new headquarters in Munich includes green roofs and energy-efficient features.

2. Biodiversity Offsetting: Invest in ecosystem restoration projects to offset the ecological footprint of operations.
   Example: European companies are partnering with NGOs to rewild degraded forests and protect endangered species.

3. Sustainable Supply Chains: Promote regenerative agriculture and sustainable forestry to reduce dependence on extractive practices.

4. Corporate Partnerships: Collaborate with municipalities and environmental NGOs to co-fund urban NbS projects.
   Example: IKEA partnered with WWF to restore wetlands in Eastern Europe, aligning sustainability goals with ecological restoration.
   

Connection to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Factors in Europe

Nature-Based Solutions are deeply aligned with ESG principles, supporting Europe’s push for sustainable growth:

• Environmental: Reduces carbon footprints, protects biodiversity, and mitigates environmental risks like flooding or heat waves.
  EU ESG regulation: The EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities encourages NbS as a critical component of green investments.

• Social: Enhances urban livability, creates green jobs, and promotes public health by improving air and water quality.
  Example: Green infrastructure projects in European cities provide recreational spaces while addressing environmental challenges.

• Governance: Encourages corporate transparency and aligns private actions with EU climate goals (e.g., Fit for 55 package). Companies integrating NbS often score higher in ESG ratings.

Example:

A European retailer might restore a degraded wetland near its facilities (Environmental), employ local workers for the project (Social), and integrate progress into sustainability reporting (Governance).

Greece Restoration Initiative

The Lake Karla project in Greece is a significant environmental restoration initiative. Once a natural lake in Central Greece, Lake Karla was drained in the 1960s for agricultural purposes, leading to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity issues. The restoration project aimed to recreate the lake and its surrounding wetlands to address these challenges. By restoring the ecosystem, the project now supports local agriculture with improved water management, enhances biodiversity by creating a habitat for migratory birds and other species, and mitigates flooding in the area. It serves as a model of sustainable development and an example of Nature-Based Solutions in Greece.