The knowledge transfer potential of online data pools on nature-based solutions

Abstract

Improving the adoption of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) requires learning from successes and failures. Knowledge derived from implemented cases helps to identify for instance drivers and barriers of NBS implementation, generates lessons learned, and supports their upscaling. Online data pools that catalogue information from NBS case studies may help scientists and practitioners to create this knowledge. The aim of this review is to assess the knowledge transfer potential of online data pools for implementing and upscaling NBS. For that, we compared 21 online data pools that report on NBS case studies in terms of topics, availability and quality of information on NBS. We found a high variability in quantity, type and quality of the information documented, hindering comparability and limiting knowledge transfer. Our results show that the most common knowledge provided was on actions undertaken on NBS, their outcomes, case study site descriptions, specific challenges and information on responsible entities and partners. Information on key attributes of NBS, such as on ecosystem processes and services as well as on governance and financing issues, was often omitted. The missing information however would be important for further comparative research to overcome implementation gaps for NBS. Based on the discussion of our findings we propose categories for a more efficient online data pool and give recommendations for further research on NBS.

A Framework to Evaluate the SDG Contribution of Fluvial Nature-Based Solutions

“…However, although they were not specifically considered, it could be argued that by including and elaborating on the third aim in the Eddleston Water Project's objectives (working with landowners and communities to maintain and enhance sustainable land management practices and farm businesses), the project contributes to an element of this SDG. The ability-related SDGs (9,11,13,17) coincide with the ones derived from our research because they refer to structural actions and strategies for conserving and protecting the rivers. Hence, SDGs 6,9,11,12,13,15,17 are shared between Ge et al [62] and the Eddleston Water Project with respect to water, ecosystem, and ability-related issues.…”

“…Hybrid solutions mix hard infrastructure with ecosystem-based infrastructure (https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2016-036.pdf, accessed on 10 October 2021). In global relevance, the effort to learn, implement and promote NBSs is worldwide and supported by many programs and data pools [9].…”

“…From a more general point of view, Kumar et al [10] state that the challenge of inadequate or insufficient data hinders the acceptance, assessment, and potentially successful operationalization of NBSs. Recent studies have addressed this challenge; Schröter et al [9] provide extensive lists of online data pools on NBSs, and the EC's Handbook for Practitioners [52] devotes a chapter to types of data, data sources, and data generation techniques for NBSs monitoring and impact assessment. Therefore, current sources seem to allow for the effective use of such data-based frameworks while acknowledging the need for new or enhanced measuring methodologies.…”

The European Union roadmap for implementing nature-based solutions: A review

“…A series of examples are provided in Appendix B (noting that the list is not intended to be comprehensive or complete as projects are constantly being added to these platforms, but refers specifically to the 2012-2020 timeframe). Nevertheless, expanding NBS innovations beyond their experimental sites requires a dedication of time and resources to identify, evaluate and translate experiences and lessons from specific innovations, given the heterogeneous social/cultural context and needs amongst different cities and regions (Hölscher and Frantzeskaki, 2020;Toxopeus et al, 2020aToxopeus et al, , 2020bSchröter et al, 2021). Thus replicability, scalability (upwards and/or downwards), and transferability need to be carefully examined to streamline NBS knowledge and best practice models into actions on the ground (Frantzeskaki et al, 2020;Kumar et al, 2020).…”

Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Wellbeing: Evidence and Opportunities From Kiribati, Samoa, and Vanuatu

“…There are eight criteria and associated indicators in the Global Standard: 1) NbS effectively addresses key societal challenges (importantly, including ensuring that human wellbeing outcomes arising from NbS are identified and monitored); 2) design of NbS is informed by scale; 3) NbS result in net gains to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity; 4) NbS are economically viable; 5) governance mechanisms are appropriate; 6) trade-offs are balanced; 7) NbS are managing adaptively, from evidence; and 8) NbS are sustainable and "mainstreamed within an appropriate jurisdiction" (ibid). Also important in building a global best practice database on NbS is addressing the global inequities in documented NbS experience, including in urbanism (much focus is on Europe, as are the majority of researchers and authors) (Schröter et al, 2020;Li et al, 2021). This reinforces the importance of examination of NbS experience and findings from other areas of the globe, including Oceania.…”