Evaluating the Impact of Nature-Based Solutions: Appendix of Methods

Abstract

This Evaluating the Impact of Nature-based Solutions: Appendix of Methods accompanies the Handbook for Practitioners for evaluating the impact of nature-based solutions (NBS). The overarching objective of the Handbook and this accompanying Appendix of Methods is to provide standardised guidance and methods to aid the selection and implementation of indicators to assess impacts of NBS, and, over time, establish a robust European evidence base on NBS performance and impact. In order to compare impacts of different types of NBS, implemented in different contexts, and to draw valid, evidence-based conclusions regarding NBS impact, similar indicators, methods, and types of measurement are needed. The Evaluating the Impact of Nature-based Solutions: Handbook for Practitioners and accompanying Appendix of Methods identifies indicators and briefly details methodologies to assess impacts of nature-based solutions across 12 societal challenge areas: Climate Resilience; Water Management; Natural and Climate Hazards; Green Space Management; Biodiversity; Air Quality; Place Regeneration; Knowledge and Social Capacity Building for Sustainable Urban Transformation; Participatory Planning and Governance; Social Justice and Social Cohesion; Health and Well-being; and, New Economic Opportunities and Green Jobs. Evaluating the Impact of Nature-based Solutions: Appendix of Methods provides a brief description of each indicator and recommends appropriate methods to measure specific impacts, along with guidance for end-users about the appropriateness, advantages and drawbacks of each method in different local contexts. As such, it is intended to guide the implementation of selected indicators to assess NBS performance and impact.