“The integration of Nature-Based Solutions into urban planning and management will facilitate the renaturalisation of cities.”
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has launched a global standard to drive the “renaturalisation “ of cities through a redesign integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
A study by our climate change adaptation experts has assessed the use of this standard in 18 cities in the Mediterranean region. The Planning and Delivering Nature-based Solutions in Mediterranean Cities report provides evidence of the benefits of NBS and lessons learned on solution design and execution processes.
The findings of the study have shed some light on the Global Standard for Nature-based Solution and contribute to its use. The study indicates the need for continuous improvements, especially in terms of the systematic assessment of biodiversity in urban green planning and management; to respond to social demands for renaturalisation; and to incorporate adaptive management and establish monitoring systems for better identification of the potential benefits of NBS in urban contexts.
IUCN is confident that this international standard will guide urban planners, businesses, and civil society in providing evidence of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of integrating Nature-Based Solutions, which will promote a different urbanization model that’s more sustainable and inclusive.
Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem Services
Within cities, green spaces and water bodies constitute natural and semi-natural ecosystems that provide essential services such as water supply, climate and flood regulation, water or air purification, or recreational services.
Our knowledge and understanding of these types of services, known as ecosystem services, increases year after year, as well as the knowledge of how the integration of NBS into urban planning and management can be used to address some of the serious challenges cities are facing.
