Publication:Policy Brief

This sectoral brief explores how transitioning to a Nature-Positive Economy requires transforming marine industries from drivers of biodiversity loss to forces for ocean restoration. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Blue Economy

Sectoral Brief

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This report published under the EU-funded GoNaturePositive! project offers a comprehensive baseline assessment to support the transition toward a nature-positive economy. The report provides an in-depth analysis of EU policy instruments and co-operative initiatives, identifying their alignment with nature positive principles and opportunities to reduce environmental harm, restore ecosystems, and foster systemic change.

Mapping Policy and Co-operate Initiative Landscapes for Systemic Change Towards a Nature-positive Economy

GoNaturePositive! Report

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

This brief explores how transitioning to a Nature-Positive Economy requires transforming tourism from a driver of environmental degradation into a force for ecosystem restoration. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Tourism

Sectoral Brief

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Cover page of BfN publication 733 “Urban Nature Plans as a Strategy for German Municipalities”. Recommendations on Urban Nature Plans from the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. Authors: Rieke Hansen, Lena Enderich, McKenna Davis, with contributions by Sandra Naumann. The image shows a paved path through a light birch forest.

The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 calls on all European cities with more than 20,000 in-habitants to develop and rapidly implement an "Urban Greening Plan". These plans should contain ambitious targets and measures to conserve biodiversity, promote human well-being, and contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation. The European Commission now refers to these plans as "Urban Nature Plans". The project documented in this report aimed to stimulate a discourse on Urban Nature Plans in Germany and to develop recommendations for local authorities.

Stadtnatur-Pläne als Strategie für deutsche Kommunen

Empfehlungen zu "Urban Nature Plans" aus der EU-Biodiversitätsstrategie 2030

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

In this policy brief, Ida Meyenberg and Evgeniya Elkina analyze which governance approaches enable the successful implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) for managing combined sewer overflows (CSO) in cities. The central question is what institutional, procedural, and financial enabling conditions municipalities and water authorities need, to integrate NBS effectively into urban stormwater management strategies. The Ecologic Institute was project lead in the NICHES project and chiefly responsible for the governance and best-practice analysis in five European and North American cities, deriving from it practice-oriented recommendations.

What Makes Nbs Work? Governance Approaches to Tackle Combined Sewer Overflows in Urban Water Systems

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

This sectoral brief examines how EU policy and practice can steer forestry toward a nature-positive economy. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Forestry

Sectoral Brief

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Cover of the publication “Considering Biodiversity in Urban Development Funding” by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN Series 732, 2025). The image shows a forest path with an artistic wooden installation featuring golden speaker-like elements. Authors: Lena Enderich, Rieke Hansen, Rebecca Noebel and Benjamin Kupilas.

This publication examines how municipalities can strategically use urban development funding to conserve and promote biodiversity in cities. As a project partner of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) in the "BioViBeS – Incorporating Biodiversity into Urban Development Funding" research project, the Ecologic Institute played a key role in analyzing best-practice examples and deriving practical action fields and recommendations.

Biologische Vielfalt berücksichtigen in der Städtebauförderung

Empfehlungen zur Integration der biologischen Vielfalt in Fördergebieten der Städtebauförderung

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

This brief examines how policymakers, industry and practitioners can steer the built environment toward a nature-positive future by integrating ecological resilience and quality of life with economic development. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Built Environment

Sectoral Brief

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

The brief explores how EU policies can accelerate a nature-positive transition in agriculture – balancing food production with ecosystem health.

Agri-food Systems

Sectoral Brief

Year 2025

Publication:Brochure

Complementing the policy guidance "Mainstreaming climate and environmental objectives in EU funding programmes in the post-2027 period," this illustrated brochure showcases diverse examples of nature-based solutions (NbS) across water, urban, transport, agriculture, and marine sectors.

Good Practice Examples of Nature-based Solutions Across Sectors

Mainstreaming climate and environmental objectives in EU funding programmes in the post-2027 period

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This study explores how climate and environmental objectives can be more effectively integrated into the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). It assesses the effectiveness of current mainstreaming tools such as climate and biodiversity spending targets, the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle, expenditure tracking systems, and funding exclusions.

Mainstreaming Climate and Environmental Objectives in EU Funding Programmes in the Post-2027 Period

Year 2025

Publication:Website

Nature-based solutions, such as green spaces or river restoration, can make a valuable contribution to municipal climate adaptation. The new topic page 'Nature-based climate adaptation' on the Federal Environment Agency's website highlights different aspects of such approaches and offers municipalities targeted support in their planning and implementation. In addition to information on the legal framework and funding issues, it also contains practical examples and helpful publications. Ecologic Institute designed and implemented the content of the website on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency.

Naturbasierte Klimaanpassung in Kommunen

UBA topic page

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Urban community garden with a colorful sign reading 'Cosechando Comunidad' (Harvesting Community), part of the INTERLACE project publication cover titled 'Locally rooted, globally connected' about Europe–Latin America knowledge exchange in urban ecosystem restoration.

The publication “Locally rooted, globally connected” captures key lessons learned from the knowledge exchanges in the context of the transdisciplinary research and international cooperation between cities, researchers, city networks, and wider stakeholders from Europe and Latin America conducted in the frames of the INTERLACE project. Through partnerships across the two regions, the project highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of working across diverse cultural, institutional, and geographic contexts and demonstrated the importance of tailoring NbS to local contexts while balancing the need for comparability across regions.

Locally Rooted, Globally Connected

Lessons from Europe-Latin America knowledge exchanges in a transdisciplinary research project

Year 2025

Publication:Document

Stories have the unique potential to inspire change, shape perceptions, and foster understanding across diverse audiences. This collection of stories, developed as part of the INTERLACE project, aims to convey the profound emotional and cultural importance natural surroundings have for local communities and showcase the power of collective action.

Stories of Justice in Action

Learning from the INTERLACE project

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Nature-based solutions (NbS) aim to improve the world for everyone, which means ensuring that vulnerable groups, such as women, children, migrants, and people with disabilities, benefit alongside other social groups. This report, part of the INTERLACE project, assesses how these groups have been included in the planning and implementation of project activities, offering valuable insights for future NBS initiatives and research.

Ethics, Gender and Diversity Monitoring in INTERLACE

Summary report

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Soils are vital for climate mitigation, storing substantial carbon. This report, co-authored by Ecologic Institute's Hugh McDonald, Aaron Scheid and Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen, examines funding approaches to promote climate-friendly soil management in Europe, focusing on two models: action-based and result-based. Action-based funding supports specific activities but doesn't ensure measurable outcomes, while result-based funding ties payments to verified results, encouraging innovation but involving higher costs and monitoring. Result-based funding approaches can be challenging in the context of soil carbon, with offsetting approaches found to be particularly risky.

Funding Climate-friendly Soil Management

Appropriate policy instruments and limits of market-based approaches

Year 2025

Publication:Article

Nature-based solutions (NbS) hold immense potential to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss – but how can ambitious goals finally be translated into action? This article provides valuable insights into 250 practical policy instruments from 41 countries that successfully promote NbS. For the first time, a systematic evaluation of good practice examples is presented, aimed at helping cities and communities implement NbS effectively. From innovative approaches to long-term sustainable solutions, the authors highlight how policy design around NbS can be optimized globally. The article provides concrete recommendations and inspiring success stories to advance the implementation of NbS in your region!

Transforming Ambition into Action to Catalyse Nature-based Solutions

Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments

Year 2024

Publication:Report

The report, "Overcoming policy, financial, social, and economic barriers to pondscape NBS for climate change mitigation and adaptation", has been released as part of the PONDERFUL project. Commissioned under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, this synthesis report refines and presents the final PONDERFUL framework – a comprehensive strategy for scaling up pondscapes as effective nature-based solutions (NbS).

Overcoming Barriers to Pondscape Nature-Based Solutions

Key Insights from PONDERFUL

Year 2024

Publication:Report

The report ‘From Ideas to Action’ presents the strategy papers of the seven INTERLACE partner cities, which were developed in close cooperation with local stakeholders in Europe and Latin America. These papers highlight tailor-made strategies for nature-based solutions (NbS), including the revitalisation of urban parks in Chemnitz and the development of a search engine for green infrastructure projects in Kraków. The aim is to effectively address the unique challenges of each city, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality.

From Ideas to Action

INTERLACE impulses for successfully implementing NbS in cities

Year 2024

Publication:Book

A new textbook entitled 'Urban Nature: New directions for city futures', co-authored by Ecologic Institute's McKenna Davis, has just been published. The introductory textbook with a global scope aims to train students of geography, sustainability, and urban and environmental studies to re-imagine and transform cities to meet climate, biodiversity, and sustainability challenges. It speaks directly to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and a changing climate as well as the imperative to integrate justice with urban nature and nature-based solutions, putting cities in focus as spaces and places for transformative change.

Urban Nature – New Directions for City Futures

Year 2024

Publication:Report

On 15 October 2024, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) published their landmark report on the state of water in the EU, the most comprehensive assessment of the status of European groundwater, rivers, lakes and coastal waters to date. Supported by Ecologic Institute through its coordination of the contributions from the European Topic Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystems, the publication analyses various European data flows relevant to water management, with a particular focus on data reported by the Member States under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Europe's State of Water 2024

The need for improved water resilience

Year 2024

Publication:Report

The Publications Office of the European Union has released an Independent Expert Report titled "Bridging Continents: Exploring the State-of-Play of Nature-Based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a Foundation for Collaboration", which was co-authored by Natalia Burgos and McKenna Davis of Ecologic Institute and Daniela Rizzi. This report delves into the progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) across the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Bridging Continents – Exploring the State-of-play of Nature-based Solutions in the EU and LAC

Building a foundation for collaboration

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Der Bericht "Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Policy and Planning. Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities" (dt.: Erkenntnisse und Lektionen aus den INTERLACE-Städten), fasst die Erfahrungen der sieben Partnerstädte in Europa und Lateinamerika zusammen. Er richtet sich an politische Entscheidungsträger:innen und Stadtplaner:innen, die naturbasierte Lösungen (NbS) systematisch in ihre städtischen Planungs- und Governance-Strukturen einbinden möchten. Dabei betont die Publikation die Bedeutung inklusiver Beteiligungsprozesse sowie den Einsatz moderner Daten- und Finanzierungsinstrumente, um NbS auf eine breitere Ebene zu skalieren.

Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Policy and Planning

Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities

Year 2024

Publication:Web Application

Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges – pollution, climate change, urban sprawl – and traditional solutions are falling short. Join the Interlace project's free online course to discover how nature-based solutions offer a promising approach to help create resilient, sustainable cities.

Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change

MOOC

Year 2024

Publication:Report

This report from the INTERLACE project examines the co-creation of governance instruments with partner cities, offering insights into the collaborative development of policies and tools that support the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS). Developed through structured exchanges with city representatives and guided by the expertise of the project task team, the report sheds light on both the challenges and practicalities of co-creating governance frameworks for urban ecosystem restoration.

Insight notes on co-producing value-added governance instruments for restorative NbS

Milestone 2.3

Year 2024

Publication:Article

Due to climate change, water retention in landscapes is gaining increasing relevance alongside flood protection. Various measures can improve the landscape water balance or enhance the resilience of land ecosystems against extreme weather events caused by floods and droughts. The authors have compiled a catalog of 69 measures in the UBA project WADKlim. These measures mostly originate from good practices in water management, agriculture, and forestry in Germany and have been evaluated based on their local impacts and implementation-relevant conditions.

Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung des Wasserrückhalts in der Landschaft

Year 2024

Publication:Infographic

Diagram illustrating the key hydrological parameters of water retention, including evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, surface runoff, infiltration, soil water retention, groundwater recharge, and discharge.

The infographic illustrates the key hydrological parameters that influence the water balance in ecosystems. The water cycle is illustrated, starting with precipitation through various phases such as evaporation, transpiration, surface runoff, seepage water movements and the recharge of groundwater. These processes are fundamental to understanding water cycles and their significance for the environment and climate. The visualization makes it clear how precipitation is filtered through the different earth layers and ultimately contributes to the replenishment of groundwater.

Modell der wichtigsten hydrologischen Parameter des Wasserrückhalts

Year 2024

Publication:Report

This document compiles useful sources for MS to inform nature restoration planning. It aims to support MS in the contextualization, design and planning of nature restoration measures in their NRPs and includes links to established (i) guidelines and standards, (ii) key platforms and networks, and (iii) databases.

Compilation of Existing Guidance on Ecosystem Restoration

Year 2024

Publication:Fact Sheet

The PONDERFUL Sustainable Finance Inventory consists of a total of 22 financing instruments for nature-based solutions (NBS). Each instrument is matched by at least one concrete example of the financing instrument in action. Different financing instruments have different strengths and weaknesses, making them more or less appropriate for different contexts and actors. The Inventory aims to support pondscape developers to understand financing options and identify the finance instruments best suited to their pondscape NBS project.

Nature-based Solutions Sustainable Financing Inventory

Year 2024

Publication:Policy Brief

cover page of Policy Paper No. 9 by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection. The title reads 'Die Rolle nachhaltiger Produktionsmethoden und Investitionen sowie naturpositiver Lieferketten für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen', translating to 'The Role of Sustainable Production Methods and Investments as well as Nature-Positive Supply Chains for the Restoration of Ecosystems'.

How can companies and societies effectively design the shift towards greater sustainability? This policy brief highlights the importance of sustainable production methods, investments, and nature-positive supply chains for the restoration of ecosystems and outlines action approaches for a sustainable future.

Die Rolle nachhaltiger Produktionsmethoden und Investitionen sowie naturpositiver Lieferketten für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Video

The CLEVER Cities Guidance is an online platform conceptualized by Ecologic Institute to give you unique insight into the multifaceted world of sustainable urban development. This introductory video aims to raise not only the interest but also the engagement of stakeholders from local governments, the academic community and the public and to bridge the gap between the different target groups. The video takes you through the CLEVER Cities Guidance, clearly highlighting the concrete contribution it makes in the context of sustainable urban development.

CLEVER Cities Guidance

Year 2023

Publication:Article

Recognizing the European Union's (EU) influential role in shaping NBS conceptualization, we undertook a qualitative content analysis of 38 EU policies to discern opportunities and limitations in implementing ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions (NBS). While our primary focus is on these aquatic habitats, their ubiquity and diverse benefits enable extrapolation to broader implications for NBS in the EU.

Opportunities and Limitations for Nature-Based Solutions in EU Policies

Assessed with a focus on ponds and pondscapes

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This paper analyses the role of the UNCCD in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, linking the UNCCD's key objective of achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) with the concerns and objectives of the UN Decade.

Die Rolle der Konvention zur Bekämpfung von Wüstenbildung (UNCCD) in der UN-Dekade zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

In an increasingly interlinked and globalized world, indigenous peoples and local communities are essential for the preservation of their rights, cultures and access to land and resources. What role do they play in the dialog around environmental protection and social justice? This policy paper sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for indigenous peoples and local communities and explores how their voices can be heard and respected in international forums.

Die Rolle von Indigenen Völkern und lokalen Gemeinschaften, Frauen und Jugendlichen für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Infographic

Illustration of multifunctional measures for urban infrastructure that combine water retention and greening. It shows green roofs, green facades, photovoltaic systems, permeable pavements, deep beds with retention space, multifunctional retention areas and a cistern for rainwater utilization. Benefits include improved air quality, noise reduction, heat reduction and resource conservation. Source: Ecologic Institute and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment.

Ecologic Institute conceived and designed several infographics for the update of the Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg. These visualise some of the thematised climate impacts on the various fields of action and support the understanding of the content. The infographics are designed in accordance to the project's style guidelines.

Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg – Infographic Series

Year 2023

Publication:Website

The CLEVER Cities Guidance online platform developed by Ecologic Institute features insights, tools, indicators and lessons learned about nature-based solutions (NBS) emerging out of the CLEVER Cities project and its nine partner cities. Filling a gap in available resources, the Guidance focuses on (1) policy and planning strategies, (2) how to generate and measure social impacts of NBS, and (3) approaches for co-creation and engaging stakeholders.

CLEVER Cities Guidance

clever-guidance.clevercities.eu

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

Document cover for a policy paper by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection. The title 'Die Wiederherstellung waldreicher Landschaften' translates to 'The Restoration of Forest-rich Landscapes'. Below, the authors Gregory Fuchs, Sandra Naumann, and Rebecca Noebel.

This policy brief examines the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) approach, considering global (e.g., the Bonn Challenge) and regional (e.g., AFR100) initiatives for restoring (forest) ecosystems, among others, and assesses their contribution to the UN multilateral goals.

Die Wiederherstellung waldreicher Landschaften

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

Title page of a policy paper by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection with the title 'The restoration of ecosystems as a nature-based solution'. Underneath is a picture of a lush, foggy rainforest and the names of the authors as well as a summary and key key messages on climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. ecosystem restoration.

This edition of the policy brief represents the 2023 updated and content-revised version of the original document, thereby integrating the latest insights and developments in the field of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and ecosystem restoration.

Die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen als naturbasierte Lösung

Year 2023

Publication:Report

This paper focuses on co-creation for nature-based solutions, providing practical examples and guidance for local decision-makers. It sheds light on the effective utilization of co-governance approaches, encouraging participatory processes and collaborative creation in the realm of nature-based solutions.

Harnessing the Power of Collaboration for Nature-based Solutions

New ideas and insights for local decision-makers

Year 2023

Publication:Podcast

Our planet is experiencing a biodiversity crisis. And the problem across the EU is also severe, with more than 80% of habitats in the EU now in a bad or poor conservation status. To reverse this alarming trend, the European Commission has proposed the Nature Restoration Law, which aims to restore at least 20% of EU land and sea by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.

Nature Restoration Law: Restoring Europe's ecosystems & protecting biodiversity

Tenth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief explores the potential and benefits of peatland rewetting, as proposed in the regulation.

Why is Peatland Rewetting Critical for Meeting EU Environmental Objectives?

Year 2023

Publication:Report

This report examines the mitigation potential of climate friendly soil management practices at global, EU and German level, along with key management measures, their co-benefits and trade-offs, and implementation challenges.

Role of Soils in Climate Change Mitigation

Year 2022

Publication:Policy Brief

Funding the implementation of the law is a key aspect and a point of tension in the negotiations. This policy brief addresses three questions: 1.) How much will implementing the NRL cost and how much funding is available? 2.) How can Member States mobilise funding for nature restoration? 3.) How do the economic benefits brought by nature restoration compare to its costs?

How Much Will the Implementation of the Nature Restoration Law Cost and How Much Funding is Available?

Year 2022

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief highlights the importance of well-functioning ecosystems for ensuring human health and well-being, not least in light of climate change. Furthermore, it outlines the potential of nature restoration and specifically the law to generate healthier living environments and to mitigate diverse physical, mental and social health threats.

Why is Nature Restoration Critical to Improving Human Health and Well-being?

Year 2022

Publication:Policy Brief

Healthy urban ecosystems and biodiversity are key to ensuring the resilience of European cities. This policy brief presents evidence and data to support strong targets for urban ecosystem restoration to be included in the Nature Restoration Law.

Why is Nature Restoration Critical for the Resilience of European Cities?

Year 2022

Publication:Video

What exactly is the European Green Deal? Which role does it play in our everyday life? And what challenges does it pose? In our podcast and webinar series "Green deal – Big Deal?" we take a critical look at these questions and discuss various aspects of the European Green Deal with experts from policy, business and science. Ecologic Institute produced a reel to contribute to the visibility of the podcast.

Green Deal – Big Deal? Listen now!

Year 2022

Publication:Report

This paper, produced jointly by Ecologic Institute and IEEP for the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), scopes 20 EU policy documents focused on adaptation, biodiversity, water, waste, mobility, and cross-cutting topics to analyse their treatment of health in the broader context of climate mitigation and adaptation policy. The purpose was to assess their integration of health-related concepts in order to identify gaps and opportunities, as well as provide recommendations for further advocacy for the health community.

Opportunities for Health Engagement in European Climate Policies

Scoping study for the EPHA

Year 2022

Publication:Policy Brief

This Think2030 policy brief highlights the importance of adopting an ambitious EU nature restoration law – given the manifold benefits of restoration to nature, people, and the economy – and discusses what is needed to ensure that the restoration targets are achieved by Member States. It formulates a series of recommendations for Member States and the EU institutions to facilitate the successful implementation of the upcoming law.

Restoring EU Ecosystems

Recommendations for the successful implementation of the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law

Year 2022

Publication:Podcast

On one of those days when the temperature hit 30 degrees, the "Green Deal – Big Deal?" podcast host Ewa Iwaszuk from Ecologic Institute in Berlin speaks with her guests about the climate change impacts in cities and especially about the EU's plans on how to adapt to and better deal with those impacts. The discussion focuses on the possibilities that nature offers to help us cope with challenges such as heat and flooding.

Beating the Heat: Europe prepares for climate change impacts

Fifth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

Year 2022

Publication:Article

In this paper, the authors review recent EU-supported research, policy, and practices to identify critical dimensions that still need to be addressed for greater uptake of NBS. While recognising the multiple societal challenges NBS can target, the authors build on the key messages from the '5th European Climate Change Adaptation conference ECCA 2021' and focus their analysis on NBS for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Building Climate Resilience through Nature-based Solutions in Europe

A review of enabling knowledge, finance and governance frameworks

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Gattinger, Andreas et al. 2022: Reducing soil compaction. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Reducing Soil Compaction

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Scheid, Aaron et al. 2022: Prevention of land take. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Prevention of Land Take

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Gattinger, Andreas et al. 2022: Precision Farming (site-specific management). Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Precision Farming (site-specific management)

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Frelih-Larsen, Ana et al. 2022: Nitrification inhibitors: biological and synthetic. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Nitrification Inhibitors: Biological and synthetic

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Gattinger, Andreas et al. 2022: Mixed Crop-livestock Systems. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Mixed Crop-livestock Systems

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Scheid, Aaron et al. 2022: Low input grasslands / set-aside areas. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Low Input Grasslands / Set-aside Areas

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Frelih-Larsen, Ana et al. 2022: Improved Crop Rotation. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Improved Crop Rotation

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Gattinger, Andreas et al. 2022: Critical External Inputs: off-farm compost, off-farm manure and biochar. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Critical External Inputs: off-farm compost, off-farm manure and biochar

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Frelih-Larsen, Ana et al. 2022: Silvoarable agroforestry. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Silvoarable Agroforestry

Year 2022

Publication:Fact Sheet

Frelih-Larsen, Ana et al. 2022: Silvopastoral agroforestry. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Silvopastoral Agroforestry

Year 2022

Publication:Infographic

This infographic summarises the key characteristics of Nature-based Solutions (NBS): NBS are aligned with natural ecosystem processes; must benefit biodiversity; are locally appropriate, adaptive, and multifunctional; and must address societal challenges and provide benefits to human well-being.

This infographic illustrates the total global mitigation potential of different types of Nature-based Solutions, shown by ecosystem. The scale of the total potential varies significantly for different ecosystems, i.a. because the total global area of the ecosystems is different.

Nature-based Solutions and Global Climate Protection

Year 2022

Publication:Report

This study examines the role of nature-based solutions (NBS) for global climate protection and in international climate policy. It provides a critical assessment of global mitigation potentials of NBS in forests, croplands, grasslands, terrestrial and coastal wetlands, and settlements and provides recommendations for international climate policy such as under ⁠UNFCCC⁠. The results show that the potential of NBS to mitigate emissions is probably overestimated in the scientific literature due to various factors. Nevertheless, NBS can bring multiple benefits for people and the environment and should be promoted actively.

Nature-based Solutions and Global Climate Protection

Assessment of their global mitigation potential and recommendations for international climate policy

Year 2022

Publication:Report

The European Commission is developing a certification mechanism to incentivise the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. To support its development, this report reviews 24 existing carbon removal certification mechanisms and methodologies and identifies key lessons for mechanism design.

Certification of Carbon Removals. Part 2: A review of carbon removal certification mechanisms and methodologies

Year 2021

Publication:Report

Sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere – 'carbon removals' – is essential to achieve Europe's 2050 net-zero climate goals. This report considers twelve nature- and technology-based carbon removal solutions, evaluating their climate mitigation potential and suitability for deployment across Europe. The report supports the European Commission's development of a certification mechanism for carbon removals.

Certification of Carbon Removals. Part 1: Synoptic review of carbon removal solutions

Year 2021

Publication:Report

This EEA technical report was authored by Ecologic Institute and aims to improve the knowledge base on different realities of national protected area management. Based on a semi-structured survey conducted in 12 Member States, the report showcases individual national approaches and practices, as well as challenges and successes in the management of protected areas.

Protected Area Management in the EU

Supporting the advancement of the Trans-European Nature Network

Year 2021

Publication:Report

The report "Governance Analysis for Planning and Implementation of Urban NBS" presents insights from a governance analysis conducted in the six INTERLACE partner cities: CBIMA (Costa Rica), Chemnitz (Germany), Envigado (Colombia), Granollers (Spain), Metropolia Krakowska (Poland), and Portoviejo (Ecuador). The analysis examines existing governance structures, policymaking and implementation practices, as well as challenges and enabling factors for advancing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in urban areas.

Governance Analysis for Planning and Implementation of Urban NBS

Governance Practices, Challenges and Needs of INTERLACE Cities

Year 2021

Publication:Infographic

This infographic was created for the study "Nature-based Solutions and Global Climate Protection". It has been developed by Öko-Institut and Ecologic Institute on behalf of the German Environment Agency. It is based on Reise et al. (2022): Nature-based Solutions and global climate protection. Climate Change 01/2022. Dessau-Roßlau. You can download a print version of the infographic.

Nature-based Solutions

Year 2021

Publication:Document

The INTERLACE project, coordinated by Ecologic Institute, has published the "Guidance on Gender, Cultural, and Ethical Considerations" to support inclusive, transparent, and fair stakeholder participation. The document provides practical recommendations and measurable indicators to help project partners integrate gender, cultural, and ethical considerations into their activities.

Inclusive Participatory Process for Urban Ecosystem Restoration

Guidance on Gender, Cultural, and Ethics-related Considerations

Year 2021

Publication:Report

According to a recent EEA report co-authored by Ecologic Institute, water stress has become a serious problem across Europe and climate change is likely to raise the challenge. The report "Water resources across Europe – confronting water stress: an updated assessment" calls for a shift from crisis management to risk management to prevent irreversible negative consequences for nature and society. The report emphasizes the need for greater water use efficiency and improved ecosystem resilience, as water resources become insufficient to meet the joint demand of humans and nature.

Water Resources Across Europe

Confronting water stress: an updated assessment

Year 2021

Publication:Report

This report gives a European overview of the main drivers and pressures that are at the core of key water management challenges putting European water bodies most at risk of not achieving key environmental objectives.

Drivers of and Pressures Arising from Selected Key Water Management Challenges

A European overview

Year 2021

Publication:Article

This article co-authored by Sandra Naumann and McKenna Davis from the Ecologic Institute provides an overview of the state of the art of the environmental European policy framework and the recognized role of nature-based solutions (NBS) and sustainable urban planning (SUP) in reaching defined objectives and outlines insights on where NBS and SUP could play a larger role within this framework. Finally, it derives recommendations for a better integration of such concepts into the current framework. The article is available for download.

Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Planning in the European Environmental Policy Framework

Analysis of the State of the Art and Recommendations

Year 2021

Publication:Report

Publication Cover with Buildings in the City

The report provides up-to-date information for policymakers on the how to apply nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and at the same time making use of multiple societal benefits that these solutions can bring. Drawing on selected examples across Europe, the report shows how impacts of extreme weather and climate-related events are already tackled in this way. It also assesses global and European policies and how nature-based solutions are increasingly being integrated in the efforts to shift towards sustainable development.

Nature-Based Solutions in Europe: Policy, Knowledge and Practice for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

EEA Report No 1/2021

Year 2021

Publication:Policy Brief

Front Cover of Nature Based solutions Policy Paper with Woman and Boy looking up into a forest canopy

Nature-based solutions have been gaining attention as effective solutions to address important global challenges. As the world battles with the COVID-19 crisis, increased awareness on its link to the exploitation of nature is generating momentum towards improving our relationship with nature. This paper by IEEP and Ecologic Institute discusses how EU policies and investments have spurred the uptake of nature-based solutions to support biodiversity and ecosystem health, and outlines remaining gaps and opportunities on how best to scale up efforts to meet the current EU policy framework’s 2030 objectives.

Using Nature-Based Solutions to Foster Synergies between Biodiversity and Climate

Missed chances and new opportunities for a sustainable future

Year 2021

Publication:Policy Brief

NATURVATION Publication Cover Image with text and a photograph of a city garden

This briefing note, published within the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project NATURVATION, takes a critical look at the value and limits of climate nature-based solutions to deliver on biodiversity goals. Building on research findings from NATURVATION, the brief discusses the question: How can we realise the added value of urban climate nature-based solutions for biodiversity?

Urban Nature: A Shared Solution to the Climate and Biodiversity Crises?

Year 2021

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief provides an overview of the wide range of socio-economic benefits that nature-based solutions can generate. Co-authors IEEP and Ecologic Institute highlight the central role that such solutions can play in meeting the EU's 2030 commitments on climate action and biodiversity and identify recommendations to enhance their uptake. The paper is available for download.

Nature-based Solutions and their Socio-economic Benefits for Europe's Recovery

Enhancing the uptake of nature-based solutions across EU policies

Year 2021

Publication:Policy Brief

2020: Green refuges for enabling cities' preparedness for future pandemics and global change. ENABLE Policy Brief 3.

Green Refuges for Enabling Cities' Preparedness for Future Pandemics and Global Change

ENABLE Policy Brief 3

Year 2020

Publication:Policy Brief

A continuing decline in biodiversity, accelerating impacts of climate change, and the urgency of ensuring a sustainable and just recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic are generating unprecedented momentum behind the imperative of working with nature to address societal challenges. In this policy brief, McKenna Davis and Harriet Bulkeley (Durham University) highlight the importance of prioritizing nature-based solutions in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and supporting their uptake within and beyond the biodiversity community.

Nature-based Solutions: Harnessing the potential for ambitious post-2020 biodiversity outcomes

Year 2020

Publication:Report

Int this report, Irina Herb and Christiane Gerstetter of Ecologic Institute, as well as Alexandru Matei (ICLEI), present insights on how nature-based solutions can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), defined in the 2030 Agenda, and recommend several pathways for doing so.

Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions: Sustainable Development Goals

NATURVATION Guide

Year 2020

Publication:Policy Brief

2020: Local Action for Green and Blue Infrastructure – Lessons learned from transdisciplinary and cocreation processes in cities. ENABLE Policy Brief 2.

Local Action for Green and Blue Infrastructure – Lessons learned from transdisciplinary and cocreation processes in cities

ENABLE Policy Brief 2

Year 2020

Publication:Policy Brief

2020: Operationalising EU Policies for Urban Green and Blue Infrastructure. ENABLE Policy Brief 1.

Operationalising EU Policies for Urban Green and Blue Infrastructure

ENABLE Policy Brief 1

Year 2020

Publication:Document

The guidance for policy makers included in the brief is intended to help orient decision-makers in navigating the various project outputs by comparing and contrasting the BE-Rural and POWER4BIO deliverables, with the aim of guiding the reader towards the most relevant project outputs for their given context. Based on this guidance, the final section of the document provides detailed summaries of the six deliverables for further reference.

Small-Scale Technologies and Business Models for Regional Bioeconomies

Joint Guidance Document for Stakeholders

Year 2020

Publication:Book

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are solutions that are inspired and supported by nature. They can be used in urban settings to complement or replace "traditional" or "grey" solutions to perform functions, such as thermal insulation and stormwater retention and filtration. Focusing on addressing climate change, this catalogue presents a wide selection of NBS that exemplify high climate mitigation potential and applicability across a range of urban contexts.

Addressing Climate Change in Cities – Catalogue of urban nature-based solutions

Year 2019

Publication:Report

Ecologic Institute and its partner EMVIS Consultant Engineers have supported The Nature conservancy (TNC) in the preparation of this report, by outlining the key water challenges in Europe and the types of Nature Based Solutions that are applicable for addressing these challenges in Europe. The report is available for download.

Investing in Nature for European Water Security

Year 2019

Publication:Report

This report by Ecologic Institute explores the extent to which current policy frameworks support sustainable urban development and nature-based solutions (NBS). It reveals that a variety of different terms are used across countries in policies and discourses in support of sustainable urban development, with green (and blue) infrastructure being the most frequently used. However, while many policies were shown to have strong explicit support for sustainable urban development, these often lack mandatory policy instruments.

Multi-level Policy Framework for Sustainable Urban Development and Nature-based Solutions – Status quo, gaps and opportunities

CLEVER Cities Deliverable 1.2

Year 2019

Publication:Article

The circumstances under which different ecosystem service benefits can be realized differ. The benefits tend to be coproduced and to be enabled by multiple interacting social, ecological, and technological factors, which is particularly evident in cities. As many cities are undergoing rapid change, these factors need to be better understood and accounted for, especially for those most in need of benefits. We propose a framework of three systemic filters that affect the flow of ecosystem service benefits: the interactions among green, blue, and built infrastructures; the regulatory power and governance of institutions; and people's individual and shared perceptions and values. We argue that more fully connecting green and blue infrastructure to its urban systems context and highlighting dynamic interactions among the three filters are key to understanding how and why ecosystem services have variable distribution, continuing inequities in who benefits, and the long-term resilience of the flows of benefits.

Enabling Green and Blue Infrastructure to Improve Contributions to Human Well-Being and Equity in Urban Systems

Year 2019

Publication:Article

The capacity of multifunctional natural areas to simultaneously address user preferences, answer municipal needs, and fulfil wider political obligations is far from being fully realised. The present article responds to this situation and highlights the Q-method as an effective approach for assessing and integrating user viewpoints on urban GBI and its benefits in urban decision-making and planning processes.

Integrating User Preferences into Urban Green and Blue Infrastructure Planning

Insights from Halle, Germany and Stockholm, Sweden

Year 2019

Publication:Fact Sheet

Private businesses lack awareness of market opportunities and appropriate business models for deploying nature-based solutions. This CLEVER Cities factsheet outlines green market opportunities and potential business policies for urban nature-based solutions. The CLEVER Cities factsheet No 2, edited by Ecologic Institute, is available for download.

Green Market Opportunities and Business Policies for Urban Nature-based Solutions

CLEVER Cities Factsheet 2

Year 2019

Publication:Fact Sheet

This CLEVER Cities factsheet outlines the main barriers and success factors for successful implementation of nature-based solutions. The CLEVER Cities factsheet No 1, edited by Ecologic Institute, is available for download.

Key Barriers to and Factors for Improving the Successful Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions

CLEVER Cities Factsheet 1

Year 2019

Publication:Report

Green and blue infrastructure (GBI) has the potential to effectively slow down, halt and reverse the negative effects of human activities on the environment while safeguarding valuable ecosystem services that these natural settings provide, especially in urban areas. The successful implementation of GBI is linked to a variety of factors, especially so the policy and institutional framework in which they are embedded. Acknowledging this potential, this report aims to understand the policy contexts which foster or hinder the uptake and positive impacts of green and blue infrastructure across a range of European cities.

City Level Policy and Institutional Frameworks – A supporting or hindering factor for green and blue infrastructure?

Insights from five ENABLE cities

Year 2018

Publication:Report

This deliverable explores four key social and economic facets of NBS in the context of urban regeneration, namely: human health and well-being; sustainable economic prosperity; social cohesion and environmental justice; and citizen safety. It defines each concept and proposes indicators for measuring their impact in order to create a shared understanding and common approach within the CLEVER Cities project. Purely environmental aspects and indicators are beyond the scope of this document and are explored elsewhere in the project.

Defining Key Concepts and Associated Indicators to Measure NBS Impact on Urban Regeneration within CLEVER Cities

CLEVER Cities Deliverable 1.1.4

Year 2018

Publication:Document

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being adopted as an effective tool to address urban challenges. But, to what extent do current policy frameworks support or hinder their implementation? This report examines if and how the concept of NBS is addressed in select EU and Member State policies and funding instruments. The report was published within the Horizon 2020 project NATURVATION and is available for download.

Nature-based Solutions in European and National Policy Frameworks

Year 2018

Publication:Web Application

So far, the Urban Nature Atlas has collected evidence on 1000 nature-based solutions (NBS) interventions. With that, it provides the most comprehensive basis for the analysis of socio-economic and innovation patterns associated with urban NBS in Europe. Ecologic Institute was involved in the design and implementation of the database, which is intended to support research, policy and public relations.

Urban Nature Atlas – NATURVATION

Year 2018

Publication:Report

Work Package 3 (WP3) of the ENABLE-project aimed to analyze citizen perceptions of and preferences for various CES provided by GBI. It also identified potential means to integrate such knowledge and information in municipal planning processes. This report presents the research results of the work package.

Methodological Review and Framework: Cultural ecosystem services provided by green and blue infrastructure

Year 2018

Publication:Book Section

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) as a promising nature-based solution are the focus of a new chapter, written by Ecologic Institute's McKenna Davis and Sandra Naumann. The authors utilize a range of case studies and evidence from across Europe to underline the potential of SUDS as a tool to reduce the negative effects of urban flooding and resultant water pollution. The diverse environmental and societal co-benefits are also presented as well as insights on the potential cost-effectiveness of SUDS as compared to grey infrastructure solutions.

Making the Case for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems as a Nature-based Solution to Urban Flooding

Year 2017

Publication:Article

Nature-based solutions promoting green and blue urban areas have significant potential to decrease the vulnerability and enhance the resilience of cities in light of climatic change. They can thereby help to mitigate climate change-induced impacts and serve as proactive adaptation options for municipalities. We explore the various contexts in which nature-based solutions are relevant for climate mitigation and adaptation in urban areas, identify indicators for assessing the effectiveness of nature-based solutions and related knowledge gaps.

Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Urban Areas

Perspectives on Indicators, Knowledge Gaps, Barriers, and Opportunities for Action

Year 2017

Publication:Report

Climate change and its impacts are already tangible and necessitate swift and concrete adaptation and mitigation actions. This involves a dual approach, which combats the causes of climate change and also supports society in dealing with a changing climate and its effects. This comprehensive study synthesizes evidence from ecosystem-based projects from across the German-speaking regions of Europe and presents the goals and activities of such projects, their benefits, and the barriers they face. It also develops recommendations for policy makers. The study is available for download.

Ökosystembasierte Ansätze zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel und zum Klimaschutz im deutschsprachigen Raum

Year 2015

Publication:Report

This publication, developed by NetworkNature+ Task Force 6 on Co-Creation and Governance, builds on a dedicated survey and expert workshop to explore why these exclusions persist and how to address them. It examines the benefits of inclusivity, identifies key barriers such as systemic inequalities and lack of trust, and offers actionable strategies for engaging CES throughout all stages of NbS co-creation.

Including Commonly Excluded Stakeholders in Nature-Based Solutions Co-Creation Processes

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Biodiversity
Bioeconomy
Cities
Climate
Climate Foreign Policy
Coastal + Marine
Communication
Consumer Policy
Culture + Ecology
Digitalization
EU
Economics
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Events
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Food
Foreign Policy
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