NBS Services Promoting Local Biodiversity, Well-being and Scalable Solutions

Human-induced climate impacts, natural hazards and biodiversity loss continue to severely affect ecosystems and communities, endangering critical infrastructure globally. Severe weather disasters are becoming more common as rising temperatures contribute to intense heat waves and cause extreme precipitation events triggering flooding. NBS, when designed holistically, are cost-effective, multifunctional solutions supporting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration while contributing to water cycle sustainability and human well-being. However, little is known about the factors affecting NBS multi-functionality, with current services too focused on producing products. This siloed approach towards managing the environment impedes interdisciplinary collaboration. NBSPLUS addresses identified shortcomings and barriers by developing and launching the concept of NBS Services, i.e. the generation of user-oriented knowledge, methods and decision aids to enable society to better plan for the risks and potential trade-offs of current/future NBS regarding their intended functions. Addressing the contribution of NBS for just transformative change, NBSPLUS investigates how the combined social-economic, ecological and governance context influences NBS design choices and performance across three use-cases on two continents. A synthesis of the findings will support comprehensive science-based NBS design, management and evaluation. NBSPLUS applies principles of co-creation founded in its work with local stakeholders, including citizens, to develop and launch the NBS Services concept. Based on iterative and adaptive engagement with society, NBS Services will help streamline global research efforts on NBS and their influence on biodiversity to gain a better understanding of the feedback loops inherent between natural and social processes, and to elucidate the driving mechanisms for enhanced biodiversity and human well-being through NBS.