Nature-based solutions knowledge gaps

The knowledge gap database compiles an evidence base for Nature-based Solutions, to support defining research and innovation avenues, and bolster policy and practitioners’ knowledge and knowledge-implementation. This database, first published in 2021 and updated in June 2024, aggregates knowledge gaps and research needs identified through extensive desk research, drawing from academic and non-academic sources. For a detailed explanation of the methodology and analysis behind the 2024 update, please refer to this NetworkNature report. For more context on the initial database see the NetworkNature report on practical, research, and innovation needs.

The updated database includes additional 619 gaps categorised into 32 broad topics and 11 types of approaches. This marks a significant expansion from the initial database, established in 2021, which contained 172 knowledge gaps. Covering gaps from 2017 to March 2024, this database will be continually updated throughout the duration of NetworkNature+.

Displaying 51 - 100 of 619
Gap description Origin of source Source Resource Broad topic Types of approaches
To scale up such initiatives, research into functional ecology in different contexts is needed, as is increasing the capacity to conduct socioeconomic assessments. Desk Study Grey literature

UNFCCC (2021) Scoping paper on knowledge gaps in integrating forest and grassland biodiversity and ecosystems into adaptation strategies. 100 pp. Bonn.
  • Effectiveness across socio-ecological contexts
  • Upscaling NBS
  • Socio-economic benefits
 -
Knowledge gaps hinder the scaling up of innovative finance mechanisms. A wide range of adaptation strategies have been backed by innovative pilot financing mechanisms, including through community enterprises, microfinance and public-private partnerships. Desk Study Grey literature

UNFCCC (2021) Scoping paper on knowledge gaps in integrating forest and grassland biodiversity and ecosystems into adaptation strategies. 100 pp. Bonn.
  • Business and private sector integration
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Developing datasets that support supply chain analysis, the measurement of indirect effects, and the assessment of secondary production of NbS by businesses whose primary focus is not environmental. Desk Study Grey literature

ILO, UNEP and IUCN. 2022. Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions 2022. Geneva. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
  • Business and private sector integration
  • Technical references, design standards and guidelines
 -
Designing and estimating scenarios and measuring induced effects that allows linking NbS activities with changes in environmental outcomes and flows through to economic and social benefits. Desk Study Grey literature

ILO, UNEP and IUCN. 2022. Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions 2022. Geneva. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
  • Technical references, design standards and guidelines
  • Socio-economic benefits
 -
Further research and data collection efforts are required to understand these positive additional employment impacts of NbS activities in order to improve the accuracy of future employment estimates. Desk Study Grey literature

ILO, UNEP and IUCN. 2022. Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions 2022. Geneva. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
  • Socio-economic benefits
 -
Knowledge and research on marine restoration is still a maturing area of science. The landscape suffers from significant information gaps, particularly regarding the current condition of the ecosystem and therefore the potential “demand” for nature-based solutions and their implementation. Desk Study Grey literature

Hudson, G., Hart, S., Verbeek, A. (2023). Investing in nature-based solutions. European Investment Bank. 144p. https://www.eib.org/en/publications/20230095-investing-in-nature-based-…
  • Knowledge base
  • Ecological restoration
The combination of a lack of sufficient data for nature-based projects and a lack of financial expertise means that often a project does not have the technical capacity to explore different sources of revenue potential, meaning commercial finance cannot easily be engaged to scale nature-based projects. Desk Study Grey literature

Hudson, G., Hart, S., Verbeek, A. (2023). Investing in nature-based solutions. European Investment Bank. 144p. https://www.eib.org/en/publications/20230095-investing-in-nature-based-…
  • Business and private sector integration
  • Upscaling NBS
 -
Lack of data on the benefits and trade-offs of nature-based solutions. Desk Study Grey literature

Hudson, G., Hart, S., Verbeek, A. (2023). Investing in nature-based solutions. European Investment Bank. 144p. https://www.eib.org/en/publications/20230095-investing-in-nature-based-…
  • Cost/benefit evaluations
  • Synergies and trade-offs between goals
 -
Further concerns include the methodologies used for carbon accounting and a lack of standardised methods to assess benefits beyond carbon, for example, social and environmental benefits. Desk Study Grey literature

Vidal, A., Martinez, G., Drion, B., Gladstone, J., Andrade, A. & Vasseur, L. (2023). Nature-based Solutions for corporate climate targets. Views regarding the corporate use of Nature-based Solutions to meet net-zero goals. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2023-032…
  • Socio-economic benefits
  • Biodiversity benefits
  • Methodologies and tools for systematic evaluation
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There is an existing stake to implement more research on the economics of NbS in order to fill this gap. Desk Study Grey literature

BirdLife International, IUCN, Vertigo Lab, MAVA Foundation. (2022). The economics of Nature-based Solutions. Opportunities for Mediterranean coastal wetlands. https://www.birdlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Economics-of-NbS-Gu…
  • Knowledge base
 -
A common framework to provide the role of NbS in the increase of ecosystem services and their opportunity of socioeconomic return is - to our knowledge - still lacking. Desk Study Grey literature

BirdLife International, IUCN, Vertigo Lab, MAVA Foundation. (2022). The economics of Nature-based Solutions. Opportunities for Mediterranean coastal wetlands. https://www.birdlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Economics-of-NbS-Gu…
  • Socio-economic benefits
  • Methodologies and tools for systematic evaluation
 -
Inadequate (lack of) knowledge, experience, data and uncertainties about the outcomes (of NbS). Desk Study Grey literature

Bérczi-Siket A., Blackstock K., Carmen E., Ebeltoft M., Gruber T., Hernandez Herrero E., Hougee M., Ibrahim A., le Clech S., Lopez-Gunn E., Manzon V., Nauta S., Nyírő F., Pokrajac S., Saliasi V., Samu A., Vion Loisel A. and Vítková J., 2023. Mainstreaming aquatic restoration using Nature-based Solutions. EU H2020 research and innovation project MERLIN deliverable 4.1. 63 pp. https://project-merlin.eu/outcomes/deliverables.html
  • Knowledge base
  • Impact assessment
  • Ecological restoration
Explore how perceptions of biodiversity and contributions, both positive and negative, of living nature (i.e. all organisms, ecosystems, and their associated ecological and evolutionary processes) to people determine stakeholder engagement to support and upscale NBS projects. Desk Study Grey literature

Akoumianaki, I., & Pakerman, P. (2021) D4.2 – Desk study on what is the state of knowledge on the role of biodiversity in the design, delivery, and benefits of Nature-Based Solutions? A scoping review. Biodiversa+
  • Valuation tools
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Upscaling NBS
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Aligning research on biodiversity’s contributions to people with NBS practice and environmental and climate policy goals will be key in harnessing the roles of biodiversity in addressing current challenges effectively and adaptively. Desk Study Grey literature

Akoumianaki, I., & Pakerman, P. (2021) D4.2 – Desk study on what is the state of knowledge on the role of biodiversity in the design, delivery, and benefits of Nature-Based Solutions? A scoping review. Biodiversa+
  • Knowledge base
  • Synergies and trade-offs between goals
  • Direct and indirect benefits for climate mitigation and adaptation
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Second, within studies that reported evidence on the role of biodiversity in NBS, there is a substantial imbalance in the distribution of studies across NBS, with most studies focusing on agricultural and agroforestry systems, their sustainable management, trees, and diversity metrics. This suggests a focus on direct material contributions of biodiversity, particularly food provision. Yet, other ecosystem types and taxa also have the potential to address other multiple pressing challenges, including climate change, disaster risk (such as coastal flooding and rockfall risk), water scarcity, and well-being. Desk Study Grey literature

Akoumianaki, I., & Pakerman, P. (2021) D4.2 – Desk study on what is the state of knowledge on the role of biodiversity in the design, delivery, and benefits of Nature-Based Solutions? A scoping review. Biodiversa+
  • Effectiveness at different geographical scales
  • Synergies and trade-offs between goals
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The physical processes involved in NbS are characterised by their complexity and interlinks. Therefore, state-of-the-art site-specific research (at farm, watershed or river scale depending on the NbS) is imperative before promoting their adoption. Desk Study Grey literature

EIP-AGRI Focus Group. (2022). Nature-based Solutions for water management under climate change. Final Report. https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/publications/eip-agri-workshop-…
  • Knowledge base
  • Effectiveness at different geographical scales
  • Ecosystem-based water management
Several members point out that ecosystem services and nature-based solutions are research priorities. In particular, research on payments (compensation) models for provision of ecosystem services is needed. Desk Study Grey literature

SCAR SWG FOREST. (2021). European research priorities in the forest domain
  • Technical references, design standards and guidelines
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In some countries, nature-based tourism is a prospective source of income for forest owners, and research on options in this regard should also be a subject of research. In other countries, rural and landscape tourism and recreational activities in forests are growing activities or already play an important role in forest management, but are not a research topic as such. Desk Study Grey literature

SCAR SWG FOREST. (2021). European research priorities in the forest domain
  • Knowledge base
  • Socio-economic benefits
  • Ecosystem-based water management
Nevertheless, the social and economic dimensions of ecosystem services (including recreational services) are research topics. Desk Study Grey literature

SCAR SWG FOREST. (2021). European research priorities in the forest domain
  • Socio-economic benefits
 -
Key knowledge gaps to understand the impact of fisheries on coastal resilience include understanding the impact that fishing has on the size spectra of populations, and how that can impact predatorprey, recruitment and competition dynamics; understanding the impact of different fishing practices and intensity on ecosystem functioning and services; the long-term impact that fish trawling gear has on benthic habitats; the impact that extraction of prey and predator species has on resilience of coastal ecosystems; the population dynamics of all species caught in fishing gear, not just target species; and the impact that climate change, and other pressures, have on the resilience of CSESs to fisheries. Desk Study Grey literature

Villasante, S., Richter, K., Bailey, J., Blenckner, T., Farrell, E., Mongruel, R., Timmermann, K., Bouma, T., Melaku Canu, D., Chen, M., Lachs, L., Payo, A., Sousa Pinto, I. (2023) Building Coastal Resilience in Europe. Alexander, B., Muñiz Piniella, A., Kellett, P., Rodriguez Perez, A., Van Elslander, J., Bayo Ruiz, F., Heymans, J. J. [Eds.] Position Paper N°. 27 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 126pp. ISSN: 0167-9309. ISBN: 9789464206197. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8224055
  • NbS interaction at the landscape scale
  • Synergies and trade-offs between goals
  • Ecosystem-based fisheries management
Key knowledge gaps to understand the impact that coastal infrastructure has on coastal resilience include understanding of risks and opportunities posed to coastal resilience by scaling up offshore renewable energy; understanding the impacts on natural coastal dynamics (physical and ecosystem) and associated consequences; and understanding the impact that the proposed increase in offshore renewable energy will have on the available space for other industries and the impact that will have on coastal resilience. Desk Study Grey literature

Villasante, S., Richter, K., Bailey, J., Blenckner, T., Farrell, E., Mongruel, R., Timmermann, K., Bouma, T., Melaku Canu, D., Chen, M., Lachs, L., Payo, A., Sousa Pinto, I. (2023) Building Coastal Resilience in Europe. Alexander, B., Muñiz Piniella, A., Kellett, P., Rodriguez Perez, A., Van Elslander, J., Bayo Ruiz, F., Heymans, J. J. [Eds.] Position Paper N°. 27 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 126pp. ISSN: 0167-9309. ISBN: 9789464206197. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8224055
  • Impact assessment
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Key knowledge gaps to understand the impact that cumulative pressures have on coastal resilience include: how to predict when an ecosystem approaches a tipping point or regime shift, and how to prevent that from happening in coastal ecosystems; social and natural responses at different spatial scales; and the social and natural carrying capacity of specific coastal ecosystems to impacts of increased use of the coastal system. Desk Study Grey literature

Villasante, S., Richter, K., Bailey, J., Blenckner, T., Farrell, E., Mongruel, R., Timmermann, K., Bouma, T., Melaku Canu, D., Chen, M., Lachs, L., Payo, A., Sousa Pinto, I. (2023) Building Coastal Resilience in Europe. Alexander, B., Muñiz Piniella, A., Kellett, P., Rodriguez Perez, A., Van Elslander, J., Bayo Ruiz, F., Heymans, J. J. [Eds.] Position Paper N°. 27 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 126pp. ISSN: 0167-9309. ISBN: 9789464206197. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8224055
  • Risks from slow-onset events
  • Impact assessment
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Understanding desirable and unintended consequences of social tipping points at local, national and European levels. Considerations of what needs to change, who is being asked to change and where the change or its impacts will be felt and by whom, are fundamental questions that require a level of reflexivity and systemic understanding in decision-making. Desk Study Grey literature

Villasante, S., Richter, K., Bailey, J., Blenckner, T., Farrell, E., Mongruel, R., Timmermann, K., Bouma, T., Melaku Canu, D., Chen, M., Lachs, L., Payo, A., Sousa Pinto, I. (2023) Building Coastal Resilience in Europe. Alexander, B., Muñiz Piniella, A., Kellett, P., Rodriguez Perez, A., Van Elslander, J., Bayo Ruiz, F., Heymans, J. J. [Eds.] Position Paper N°. 27 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 126pp. ISSN: 0167-9309. ISBN: 9789464206197. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8224055
  • Planning and policy frameworks
  • Approaches and governance systems for implementation
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Understanding the impacts of coastal pressures on socioeconomics and human-Ocean interactions, which is critical for developing mitigation and adaptation measures and understanding their costs and risks. Desk Study Grey literature

Villasante, S., Richter, K., Bailey, J., Blenckner, T., Farrell, E., Mongruel, R., Timmermann, K., Bouma, T., Melaku Canu, D., Chen, M., Lachs, L., Payo, A., Sousa Pinto, I. (2023) Building Coastal Resilience in Europe. Alexander, B., Muñiz Piniella, A., Kellett, P., Rodriguez Perez, A., Van Elslander, J., Bayo Ruiz, F., Heymans, J. J. [Eds.] Position Paper N°. 27 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 126pp. ISSN: 0167-9309. ISBN: 9789464206197. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8224055
  • Socio-economic benefits
  • Direct and indirect benefits for climate mitigation and adaptation
  • Cost/benefit evaluations
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Understanding resilience properties, including integrated ecological and social tipping points, which are required to tackle extreme events and will help to reduce uncertainty. Desk Study Grey literature

Villasante, S., Richter, K., Bailey, J., Blenckner, T., Farrell, E., Mongruel, R., Timmermann, K., Bouma, T., Melaku Canu, D., Chen, M., Lachs, L., Payo, A., Sousa Pinto, I. (2023) Building Coastal Resilience in Europe. Alexander, B., Muñiz Piniella, A., Kellett, P., Rodriguez Perez, A., Van Elslander, J., Bayo Ruiz, F., Heymans, J. J. [Eds.] Position Paper N°. 27 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 126pp. ISSN: 0167-9309. ISBN: 9789464206197. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8224055
  • Socio-economic benefits
  • Risks from slow-onset events
  • Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction
An overarching challenge is that from a policy and management perspective, the coast is currently not thought of as a single, dynamic system, but rather as separate land and sea systems. Additional challenges include a lack of knowledge on environmental and social tipping points and understanding the policy implications of these tipping points, challenges associated with decision-making under uncertainty and incomplete knowledge, and how to change mindsets of stakeholders to be open to change. Desk Study Grey literature

Villasante, S., Richter, K., Bailey, J., Blenckner, T., Farrell, E., Mongruel, R., Timmermann, K., Bouma, T., Melaku Canu, D., Chen, M., Lachs, L., Payo, A., Sousa Pinto, I. (2023) Building Coastal Resilience in Europe. Alexander, B., Muñiz Piniella, A., Kellett, P., Rodriguez Perez, A., Van Elslander, J., Bayo Ruiz, F., Heymans, J. J. [Eds.] Position Paper N°. 27 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium. 126pp. ISSN: 0167-9309. ISBN: 9789464206197. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8224055
  • Planning and policy frameworks
  • Stakeholder engagement
 -
Fund research to understand the dynamics of offshore carbon stocks and sequestration, and the possible impact of human activities, such as trawl fishing and deepsea mining. Despite the controversy over the impact of human activities on the seabed and sedimentary carbon, the impacts of these activities have not been scientifically quantified, including the resuspension of sediment and carbon, and any potential increase in CO2 emissions, and subsequent implications for carbon storage and sequestration. Desk Study Grey literature

European Marine Board. (2023). Blue Carbon. Challenges and opportunities to mitigate climate and biodiversity crises
  • Direct and indirect benefits for climate mitigation and adaptation
  • Ecosystem-based mitigation
In addition, ancillary benefits of Natural Water Retention Measures/NBS such as their compatibility of different purposes, and the cumulative effects still need to be researched in more depth. Desk Study Grey literature

Urban agenda for the EU. (2020). Sustainable use of land and nature-based solutions partnership. https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/system/files/ged/action_6_better_regul…
  • Impact assessment
  • Methodologies and tools for systematic evaluation
  • Ecosystem-based mitigation
In terms of solutions typology: most presented solutions correspond to Type 3 NbS (management of ecosystems in extensive ways – new ecosystems) that target the management or creation of new ecosystems. Consequently, a lesser focus on Type 2 NbS (some interventions in managed ecosystems and landscapes) is given, while Type 1 (minimal interventions – protected ecosystems) are relatively rarely to never targeted. Accordingly, the contribution and role of protected areas is relatively underrepresented. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Protected area management
  • Area-based conservation approaches
An understanding of the supply and demand of ecosystems and their services in complex multidimensional contexts is still limited. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Knowledge base
 -
In the same vein, the behavior of NbS-NbaS in highly complex systems such as urban areas, in addition to the unpredictable behavior of climate change are significant gaps to bridge. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Risks from slow-onset events
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The development of research on the assessment of gaps and barriers related to NbS for hydrometeorological risk reduction is needed. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Risks from slow-onset events
  • Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction
Advancing knowledge of business models for NbS-NbaS since the concept is still an innovation namely on the long-term (impacts and efficiencies). Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Business and private sector integration
  • Effectiveness at different time scales
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Understanding how the value of NbS-NbaS can be transposed into a model that provides DRR {Disaster Risk reduction} and CCA {Climate Change Adaptation} services. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Risks from slow-onset events
  • Valuation tools
  • Ecosystem-based adaptation
  • Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction
Most of current NbS-NbaS business models were designed for urban settings. Thus, the lessons learnt, methods used and limits identified are not necessarily applicable to other ecosystems, hence the need to extend business models beyond the urban realm, particularly those of large scales (watersheds, aquifers, etc). Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Business and private sector integration
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Integrating climate/weather extremes as well as future climate change scenarios for accurately designing the proposed NbaS and, for anticipating the effects of climatic evolutions. In the same vein, it could be beneficial to investigate the seasonal effect (variation) of the NbaS’ efficiency (particularly green solutions). Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Risks from slow-onset events
  • Effectiveness at different time scales
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Extending the use of the Ecosystem Services (ES) framework further than the provision domains and increase studies on regulating ones. Likewise, the ES concept should extend beyond the urban environment as most of the generated knowledge is urban related and cannot be considered as applicable in other ecosystems. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Awareness and capacity building
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As a result of the minor attention to mountainous environments NbS for hydrometeorological risk reduction in rural and mountainous media still suffer from the absence of adequate proof for replicability and upscaling. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Upscaling NBS
  • Knowledge base
  • Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction
Current trends revealed that some environments are relatively underrepresented. This is particularly the case of the agricultural and natural media that are rarely targeted as complete systems. The same is more or less applicable for the oceanic medium that is even less addressed along with relevant NbaS. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Knowledge base
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Are NbS-NbaS being currently designed to withstand weather change and/or climate change? And will these solutions be capable of overpassing weather change to then withstand climate change? Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Risks from slow-onset events
  • Direct and indirect benefits for climate mitigation and adaptation
  • Ecosystem-based adaptation
While the potential of NbS for DRR {Disaster Risk Reduction} is well-known, there is still a need for quantifying their positive effects. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Impact assessment
  • Methodologies and tools for systematic evaluation
  • Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction
Most vulnerability/risk assessment frameworks and indicators for NB(a)S DRR {Disaster Risk Reduction} are of socioecological, socioeconomic and sociopolitical nature. More efforts are particularly needed to characterize ecological subsystems. In a review performed by the same Authors, most of the inventoried studies for risk/vulnerability assessment reported the dominance of social indicators over ecological ones. To this end, the integration of biophysical angles is still somewhat limited and needs further development. This gap is crucial since inadequate adaptation efforts will only trigger increases of hydrometeorological risks. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Knowledge base
  • Direct and indirect benefits for climate mitigation and adaptation
  • Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction
The lack of knowledge on co-benefits can be complicated by the dual nature of BGI (blue and green). The interactions between both counterparts and the benefits they can provide for each other are rarely studied. In this vein, studying the intra-NbaS behavior, interdependence and interactions between solutions made up from different compartments (such as BGI), could be an interesting line of work to develop. Subsequently, the understanding of the multiple benefits both components can provide to their ecosystem can be facilitated. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Synergies and trade-offs between goals
  • Blue & Green infrastructure
Urban challenges still lack an exhaustive classification, hence the need to develop this aspect. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Knowledge base
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NbS often lack clear objectives and the risks of disorientation are high. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Technical references, design standards and guidelines
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Concerning protected areas much has to be said. Accordingly, this dimension of NbS seems to be lacking proper attention despite its considerable potential. Desk Study Grey literature

Al Sayah, M., Versini, P.-A., Schertzer, D., 2022. Projet ARTISAN Action A2 - Etat des lieux des besoins de connaissance pour la généralisation des SaFN - Inventaire des connaissances actuelles et des besoins de recherche. Champs-sur-Marne. HM&Co- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech et OFB, p.193
  • Protected area management
  • Area-based conservation approaches
Lack of finance and of knowledge about suitable business models for implementation and maintenance of NBS. Desk Study Institutional publication

Breil, M., Castellani, C. Keestra S., Zimmer, D., Nieminen, H., Trozzo, C. & Galluccio, G. Economic enabling conditions for scaling of Nature Based Solutions. ETC CA Technical Paper published 2023 via European Topic Centre on Climate change adaptation and LULUCF, (ETC CA)
  • Business and private sector integration
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These gaps are connected to a lack of clarity, recurrent in discussions about scaling of NBS, about the distribution of costs and benefits between private actors and society. Desk Study Institutional publication

Breil, M., Castellani, C. Keestra S., Zimmer, D., Nieminen, H., Trozzo, C. & Galluccio, G. Economic enabling conditions for scaling of Nature Based Solutions. ETC CA Technical Paper published 2023 via European Topic Centre on Climate change adaptation and LULUCF, (ETC CA)
  • Social cohesion and environmental justice
  • Cost/benefit evaluations
  • Business and private sector integration
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Moreover, measurements of existing NBS efficiency and expected benefits may also have a limited value for other cases since it depends to some extent on specific local conditions. Desk Study Institutional publication

Breil, M., Castellani, C. Keestra S., Zimmer, D., Nieminen, H., Trozzo, C. & Galluccio, G. Economic enabling conditions for scaling of Nature Based Solutions. ETC CA Technical Paper published 2023 via European Topic Centre on Climate change adaptation and LULUCF, (ETC CA)
  • Effectiveness across socio-ecological contexts
  • Impact assessment
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More research is needed on the total carbon balance and possible methane emissions of macroalgae that wash up onto shore. Desk Study Institutional publication

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) (2023) Federal Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity
  • Performance and characteristics of plants
  • Direct and indirect benefits for climate mitigation and adaptation
  • Ecosystem-based mitigation