Nature-based solutions: lessons from european and chinese case studies

In March 2022 at the United Nations Environment Assembly Countries adopted a resolution on nature-based solutions (UNEP/EA.5/Res.5) which provided framing of the concept and a multilaterally agreed definition on ‘Nature-based Solutions’: “nature-based solutions are actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity benefits”. The resolution also states that nature-based solutions “respect social and environmental safeguards”. This paper describes four case studies in the European Union and China respectively chosen to investigate historical and contemporary application of nature-based solutions (NbS) in both regions. In-depth information, including information sourced from two current EU H2020 R&I Sino-Europe investigations of NbS, was a key element of this study as it has allowed for a ‘deep dive’ into the case studies. Based on an analysis of the case studies, conclusions and recommendations have been developed. We hope that the analysis will promote a better understanding of how NbS can be applied, thereby providing a stronger basis for dialogue and action in the future and support a mutually beneficial (and continuing) dialogue between China and Europe on NbS. Consistent with the UNEA-5 definition NbS deliver multiple benefits to the health and well-being of people as well as to the environment (i.e. ecosystem services, resilience, and biodiversity benefits) and climate regardless of the main objective of the project. The table 1 summarises the objectives for each of the eight case studies described compared to the challenges referred to in UNEA resolution 5/5 and table 2 the same compared to the IUCN NbS Global Standard. For example, the ‘Green and Blue Infrastructure’ network of natural and semi-natural landscape ‘green’ and ‘blue’ elements in the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean are designed, among other things, to protect biodiversity. Actions carried out in the Mu Us Desert aim at restoring the landscape and reversing the process of desertification and have contributed to a significant reduction in the frequency of dust storms in the area and improved air quality. The Chengdu Park City developments are designed to promote low-carbon and environmentally sensitive economic development. One of the main aims of Milan’s Parco Sud Agricolo as well as the Chengdu Park City is to provide nature-sensitive green spaces for leisure and recreation in an urbanized (and in the latter peri-urban agricultural) environment. The Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean involved public participation in the design of the green and blue infrastructure elements. The Industrial Forest Project in the Ruhr region of Germany demonstrates how trees and forests in urban and peri-urban areas can be used as an NbS alongside the principles of multifunctionality and connectivity envisioned in the concept of green infrastructure. To achieve these objectives, the implementation of nature-based solutions needs to incorporate a range of mechanisms and appropriate incentives. The case studies included in this paper include several such mechanisms and incentives, including financing mechanisms, land-use planning, the need for detailed studies before the implementation of nature-based solutions and scientific research of their impacts. Finally, recommendations are made, firstly, for international experts, negotiators, policy advisors and secondly for future EUChina cooperation on nature-based solutions

source :

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/09/how-circular-economy-can-revive-sustainable-development-goals