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+.
| Gap description | Origin of source | Source | Resource | Broad topic | Types of approaches | |
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| Community Engagement: the role and effectiveness of different community engagement methodologies and impact of such approaches on NBS processes. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, (2022). The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/307761 |
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| The development of science-based targets and approaches to support industry to deliver on goals such as becoming net nature positive e.g., how to calculate the biodiversity footprint of global value chains, the development of technical and technology solutions to reduce biodiversity loss and boost restoration, measurement of the effectiveness of different approaches etc. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, (2022). The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/307761 |
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| Further research is needed on the value, and optimal approaches, to standards and accreditation for different scales and typologies of NBS and the impact of such approaches on different actors and the uptake of NBS as a whole. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, (2022). The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/307761 |
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| Further investment is needed in research and development exploring the conceptual and operational opportunities and trade-offs of developing a carbon credit equivalent to capture the value of NBS for biodiversity, health and other benefits. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, (2022). The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/307761 |
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| There is a need for greater research on how NBS fits with circular and bioeconomy approaches. Some examples are evident, for example connecting greening buildings to wastewater reuse or connecting the bioeconomy to decentralised and connected green infrastructure and organic waste management. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, (2022). The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/307761 |
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| However, one clear need which emerged from industry practitioners, but not as clearly from the consultation process, was the need for significant further investment in research both in terms of market knowledge and to develop the evidence base demonstrating the full impacts of NBS. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, (2022). The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/307761 |
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| Further research and demonstrations would be valuable on a carbon credit equivalent to capture the value of NBS for biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, (2022). The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/307761 |
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| Knowledge gaps on limits and thresholds under which NBS approaches might not deliver adaptation benefits. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | EEA. (2023). Scaling nature-based solutions for climate resilience and nature restoration. |
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| Gap of knowledge between private benefits to individual entities and broader social costs and benefits for communities. Time lags in achieving and observing benefits. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | EEA. (2023). Scaling nature-based solutions for climate resilience and nature restoration. |
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| There is still little knowledge about the actual potential of NbS to deliver positive outcomes for biodiversity. Biodiversity impacts are even more difficult to assess compared to GHG impacts because of their high spatial variability and complexity. For example, a local increase in biodiversity after ecosystem restoration does not necessarily imply regional or global biodiversity benefits if it is due to an increase of non-threatened generalist species. Therefore, it is important to develop robust and standardised assessment methods for quantification and comparison of biodiversity impacts associated with NbS. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Judith Reise, Anne Siemons, Hannes Böttcher, Anke Herold, Cristina Urrutia, Lambert Schneider, Ewa Iwaszuk, Hugh McDonald, Ana Frelih-Larsen, Laurens Duin, McKenna Davis 2022: Nature-Based Solutions and Global Climate Protection. Assessment of their global mitigation potential and recommendations for international climate policy. Climate Change 01/2022. German Environment Agency, Dessau-Roßlau. |
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| More research is required to assess the socio-economic parameters that influence the uptake of NbS by stakeholders and may pose significant constraints on NbS potentials exclusively focused on biophysical parameters. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Judith Reise, Anne Siemons, Hannes Böttcher, Anke Herold, Cristina Urrutia, Lambert Schneider, Ewa Iwaszuk, Hugh McDonald, Ana Frelih-Larsen, Laurens Duin, McKenna Davis 2022: Nature-Based Solutions and Global Climate Protection. Assessment of their global mitigation potential and recommendations for international climate policy. Climate Change 01/2022. German Environment Agency, Dessau-Roßlau. |
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| More research is required, as it is likely that NbS potentials provided by the scientific literature overestimate the realistic potential of such activities for climate change mitigation. This is partly due to the lack of integrated studies that achieve a consistent and comprehensive assessment of activities competing for land and financial resources, affecting production levels and causing displacement of production to provide the net mitigation potential. Moreover, many studies make overly optimistic assumptions on land availability and do not consider negative impacts on ecosystems, human well-being or non-GHG effects (e.g. albedo) of measures. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Judith Reise, Anne Siemons, Hannes Böttcher, Anke Herold, Cristina Urrutia, Lambert Schneider, Ewa Iwaszuk, Hugh McDonald, Ana Frelih-Larsen, Laurens Duin, McKenna Davis 2022: Nature-Based Solutions and Global Climate Protection. Assessment of their global mitigation potential and recommendations for international climate policy. Climate Change 01/2022. German Environment Agency, Dessau-Roßlau. |
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| Furthermore, underlying assumptions towards ecosystem carbon fluxes as well as quantification methodologies bear significant uncertainties. Climate impacts are not taken into account in any of the studies assessed. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Judith Reise, Anne Siemons, Hannes Böttcher, Anke Herold, Cristina Urrutia, Lambert Schneider, Ewa Iwaszuk, Hugh McDonald, Ana Frelih-Larsen, Laurens Duin, McKenna Davis 2022: Nature-Based Solutions and Global Climate Protection. Assessment of their global mitigation potential and recommendations for international climate policy. Climate Change 01/2022. German Environment Agency, Dessau-Roßlau. |
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| Moreover, research is focused on biophysical parameters, but not on socio-economic parameters of the establishment of agroforestry systems. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Judith Reise, Anne Siemons, Hannes Böttcher, Anke Herold, Cristina Urrutia, Lambert Schneider, Ewa Iwaszuk, Hugh McDonald, Ana Frelih-Larsen, Laurens Duin, McKenna Davis 2022: Nature-Based Solutions and Global Climate Protection. Assessment of their global mitigation potential and recommendations for international climate policy. Climate Change 01/2022. German Environment Agency, Dessau-Roßlau. |
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| Follow-up and evaluation of nature-based solutions will be essential since there is currently a lack of knowledge and systematic evaluations of their full potential, especially for larger-scale solutions and their function over time. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Swedish environmental protection agency. (2022). Nature-based solutions – A tool for climate adaptation and other societal challenges. https://www.naturvardsverket.se/4acc16/globalassets/media/publikationer… |
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| Also, there might be traditional local knowledge that exists but is not documented and is thus hard to access. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Swedish environmental protection agency. (2022). Nature-based solutions – A tool for climate adaptation and other societal challenges. https://www.naturvardsverket.se/4acc16/globalassets/media/publikationer… |
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| It is therefore clear that the evidence base for NBS implementation needs to be more comprehensive, include evaluations across larger spatial and temporal scales and contain monitoring and evaluation schemes that also comprise participatory planning and governance processes. This may include evaluations of how existing data and methods can be used to assess the impact of NBS, as well as the development and collection of new data, indicators and methods. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Sandin, L., Seifert-Dähnn, I., Furuseth, I.S., Baattrup-Pedersen, A., Zak, D., Alkan Olsson, J., Hanson, H., Sadat Nickayin, S., Wilke, M., Koivula, M., Rastas, M., Enge, C., Øie Kvile, K., Lorentzi Wall, L., Hoffmann, C.C. and Þrastardóttir, R. (2022). Working with Nature-Based Solutions. Synthesis and mapping of status in the Nordics. Nordic Council of Ministers. Denmark: Copenhagen. |
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| Missing monitoring and assessment schemes for evaluating NBS. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Sandin, L., Seifert-Dähnn, I., Furuseth, I.S., Baattrup-Pedersen, A., Zak, D., Alkan Olsson, J., Hanson, H., Sadat Nickayin, S., Wilke, M., Koivula, M., Rastas, M., Enge, C., Øie Kvile, K., Lorentzi Wall, L., Hoffmann, C.C. and Þrastardóttir, R. (2022). Working with Nature-Based Solutions. Synthesis and mapping of status in the Nordics. Nordic Council of Ministers. Denmark: Copenhagen. |
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| Lack of information regarding the effects of NBS on social and ecological values across different spatial scales and on long-term effects. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Sandin, L., Seifert-Dähnn, I., Furuseth, I.S., Baattrup-Pedersen, A., Zak, D., Alkan Olsson, J., Hanson, H., Sadat Nickayin, S., Wilke, M., Koivula, M., Rastas, M., Enge, C., Øie Kvile, K., Lorentzi Wall, L., Hoffmann, C.C. and Þrastardóttir, R. (2022). Working with Nature-Based Solutions. Synthesis and mapping of status in the Nordics. Nordic Council of Ministers. Denmark: Copenhagen. |
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| For forest ecosystems, there is little knowledge on the benefits of NBS in forest types other than the most common spruce- and pine-dominated heath forests (e.g., groves, semi-open forests, young phases following natural disturbance). For forest NBS it remains unclear how the regional application of NBS would unfold in comparison to local application and what would be the effects of a higher density of NBS interventions in comparison to those that are usually applied in commercial forests. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Sandin, L., Seifert-Dähnn, I., Furuseth, I.S., Baattrup-Pedersen, A., Zak, D., Alkan Olsson, J., Hanson, H., Sadat Nickayin, S., Wilke, M., Koivula, M., Rastas, M., Enge, C., Øie Kvile, K., Lorentzi Wall, L., Hoffmann, C.C. and Þrastardóttir, R. (2022). Working with Nature-Based Solutions. Synthesis and mapping of status in the Nordics. Nordic Council of Ministers. Denmark: Copenhagen. |
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| The lack of regular and long-term monitoring and evaluation of NBS inhibits iterative learning on how to overcome NBS construction weaknesses in the future, which is also suggested by IUCN criterion 7. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Sandin, L., Seifert-Dähnn, I., Furuseth, I.S., Baattrup-Pedersen, A., Zak, D., Alkan Olsson, J., Hanson, H., Sadat Nickayin, S., Wilke, M., Koivula, M., Rastas, M., Enge, C., Øie Kvile, K., Lorentzi Wall, L., Hoffmann, C.C. and Þrastardóttir, R. (2022). Working with Nature-Based Solutions. Synthesis and mapping of status in the Nordics. Nordic Council of Ministers. Denmark: Copenhagen. |
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| It is difficult to assess costs and benefits of NBS in comparison to more traditional technical solutions. We need better cost-benefit analysis for NBS. NBS can address several problems simultaneously and not only one problem at a time, but this is not reflected sufficiently in current cost-benefit analysis as not all benefits are considered. In addition, current cost-benefit analysis of NBS often do not properly consider the long-term benefits of NBS. This leads to the wrong impression that NBS are more expensive. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Sandin, L., Seifert-Dähnn, I., Furuseth, I.S., Baattrup-Pedersen, A., Zak, D., Alkan Olsson, J., Hanson, H., Sadat Nickayin, S., Wilke, M., Koivula, M., Rastas, M., Enge, C., Øie Kvile, K., Lorentzi Wall, L., Hoffmann, C.C. and Þrastardóttir, R. (2022). Working with Nature-Based Solutions. Synthesis and mapping of status in the Nordics. Nordic Council of Ministers. Denmark: Copenhagen. |
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| General lack of knowledge on how to create, use, and institutionalize collaborative structures to facilitate NBS implementation. | Desk Study | Institutional publication | Sandin, L., Seifert-Dähnn, I., Furuseth, I.S., Baattrup-Pedersen, A., Zak, D., Alkan Olsson, J., Hanson, H., Sadat Nickayin, S., Wilke, M., Koivula, M., Rastas, M., Enge, C., Øie Kvile, K., Lorentzi Wall, L., Hoffmann, C.C. and Þrastardóttir, R. (2022). Working with Nature-Based Solutions. Synthesis and mapping of status in the Nordics. Nordic Council of Ministers. Denmark: Copenhagen. |
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| There are also implementation challenges, including a lack of implementation knowledge for NbS and difficulties regarding monitoring, evaluating and learning from NbS. Lack of implementation knowledge surrounding NbS. Successful implementation of NbS is dependent on having sufficient scientific, technological and local knowledge of their functions, performance and benefits in specific ecosystems and contexts. Even though there is a growing body of knowledge and experience of NbS, existing evidence is often presented in a way that can be difficult for communities, governments and practitioners to understand. It is frequently not in a ‘ready-to-apply’ format or tailored to the specific local challenge. | Desk Study | Grey literature | IFRC, WWF. (2022). Working with nature to protect people. How nature-based solutions reduce climate change and weather-related disasters. https://www.ifrc.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/IFRC_%26_WWF_V_6-LR.pdf |
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| Understand what constitutes successful and sustainable NbS. | Desk Study | Grey literature | IFRC, WWF. (2022). Working with nature to protect people. How nature-based solutions reduce climate change and weather-related disasters. https://www.ifrc.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/IFRC_%26_WWF_V_6-LR.pdf |
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| Provide support for increased research into the potential of NbS, in particular for disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and in humanitarian contexts, including coordinating research efforts and compiling examples of best practices based on the best available science. | Desk Study | Grey literature | IFRC, WWF. (2022). Working with nature to protect people. How nature-based solutions reduce climate change and weather-related disasters. https://www.ifrc.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/IFRC_%26_WWF_V_6-LR.pdf |
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| The role and dynamics of non-carbon GHGs, like methane and nitrous oxide, in blue carbon ecosystems need further clarification. Because the climate-warming potential of methane is many times stronger than CO2, methane needs to be widely studied across blue carbon ecosystems to clarify which human activities and environmental changes can increase its release into the atmosphere. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| It is also important to understand the influence of ocean acidification versus the input of carbonates and other inorganic components on plant growth because potential of hydrogen (pH) plays an important role in the balance of greenhouse gases being emitted or sequestered. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| In addition, the impacts of climate change dynamics, including the potential adaptation and migration of blue carbon ecosystems because of sea level rise, must be studied. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Similarly, the extent of seagrasses and relevant success rates of restoration efforts are also emerging areas in need of scientific research. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Scientific evidence, understanding and metrics for adaptation, resilience and improved livelihoods can be greatly expanded. For example, the connection between mangrove or seagrass protection and improved food and economic security given healthy fisheries nursery grounds is recognised, but comparable metrics are limited beyond fish stock count. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Robust studies on the relationship between blue carbon and human well-being are lacking in academia and conservation practice. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Studying how blue carbon ecosystems’ degradation, loss and restoration impact women and men differently is also an emergent area for research. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Additionally, there are questions about the long-term dynamics (i.e. vertical and horizontal flows within the water column) of these [blue carbon ecosystems] potential sinks. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Jurisdictional rules and practical management represent large barriers to accommodating these emerging systems [blue carbon ecosystems] within national climate mitigation frameworks and related targets. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| There is growing interest in including macroalgae, such as kelp and other seaweed, in blue carbon frameworks because of their high carbon fixation rates and extensive global distribution. While seaweed and kelp forests may act as significant carbon sources to other marine habitats, further research is required to clarify questions related to carbon fluxes, the permanence and quantities of carbon sequestered, and the proportion of this carbon that can be managed at a national or local scale, and thus whether these ecosystems are valuable as climate-mitigation assets. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| There is a clear need for increased capacity at the government level to implement and understand the scientific, technical, policy and institutional aspects of emissions and removals from natural sinks and reservoirs, including from blue carbon ecosystems. Capacity building could range from national GHG inventories to the establishment of high-quality projects. Despite growing recognition of the importance of blue carbon ecosystems, there is still much to learn about the ecological functions and carbon storage potential of these habitats. Incomplete scientific knowledge can make it difficult for governments to design effective policies and management strategies. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Detailed maps are necessary as a foundational step towards implementation of a conservation or market-based project. More observation and research are needed to assess belowground biomass and effects of sea level rise. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Increased monitoring through the implementation of integrated coastal zone management and marine spatial planning, in coordination with year-to-year inventories of mangroves and other coastal ecosystems, would help identify synergies and gaps with coastal carbon and climate policymaking. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| More research and resources are needed in-country and at the local level to establish policy coherence and provide clear signals on the importance of protecting and restoring these ecosystems, including through accounting for all (positive and negative) externalities when operating economic models or impact assessments related to policies. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| The economic value of blue carbon ecosystems is often unknown or poorly communicated. Thus, they are seen only for their conservation or mitigation value, which vastly underappreciates their asset value. This is why establishing ocean accounts, natural capital taxonomies and economic valuation exercises can be important for aligning national policymaking and investment. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Clear metrics for objectively evaluating projects against fundamental principles are necessary to ensure that all parties have the same expectations when engaging in blue carbon projects. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| There is a need to build capacity for nature finance at every level, including municipal or state governments, local communities, small-scale fishers, the international community, and the public and private sectors. This includes a need to reassess basic finance tools to support emerging blue carbon projects, including blue carbon market project origination, blue carbon non-market development, and climate action for protecting or restoring blue carbon ecosystems. |
Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Effective impact assessment (i.e. evaluating the outcomes and effects of an initiative) is critical to facilitate credible investment. To ensure credible and effective assessments for any financing mechanism, clear, consistent, and robust metrics and indicators are necessary to ensure monitoring and the tracking of progress reporting. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| At the same time the more traditional conservation community would benefit from capacity building in business skills and relevant support. | Desk Study | Grey literature | Schindler Murray, L., Milligan, B. et al. 2023. "The blue carbon handbook: Blue carbon as a naturebased solution for climate action and sustainable development." Report. London: High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/23_REP_HLP_Blue-Carbo… |
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| Understanding of the linkages between ecosystem status or condition and community resilience. | 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. |
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| Understanding of the role of conservation and restoration measures in mitigation and adaptation. | 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. |
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| In order to design effective adaptation strategies and avoid maladaptation, it is critical to better understand the long-term interaction of drivers and uncertainties of impacts, and how these uncertainties affect adaptive capacity. Investments are needed for long term research, data management and exchange (particularly in transboundary contexts), the application of social and environmental trade-offs, and monitoring and evaluation systems for tracking the effectiveness of adaptation strategies. | 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. |
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| Challenges relate to accepted methodologies for incorporating diverse values, cultures and knowledge systems – including traditional knowledge, knowledge of indigenous peoples and local knowledge – into design and implementation of actions. | 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. |
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| Understanding social-ecological systems and assessing vulnerabilities across geopolitical boundaries can be complex, and few successful precedents exist upon which to draw for learning and for application to transboundary adaptation initiatives. | 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. |
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