Evaluating the Impact of Nature-Based Solutions: A Handbook for Practitioners

Abstract

The objective of this handbook is to support the adoption of common indicators and methods for assessing the performance and impact of diverse types of NBS. The handbook is designed to be relevant for NBS implemented across a wide geographic area and at a multitude of scales. The integrated NBS assessment framework presented in the handbook has been developed with the three-fold objective of: • Serving as a reference for relevant EU policies and activities; • Orienting urban practitioners in developing robust impact evaluation frameworks for nature-based solutions at different scales; and, • Providing a comprehensive set of indicators and methodologies. This handbook is intended to serve as a guide to the development and implementation of scientifically-valid monitoring and evaluation plans for the evaluation of NBS impacts (Figure 1). We begin by defining NBS in the context of global challenges and key policy instruments (Chapter 1). Subsequent chapters guide the reader through the development and execution of robust NBS monitoring and evaluation plans (Chapter 2 and Chapter 3), the selection (Chapter 4 and Appendix of Methods) and application (Chapter 5) of impact indicators, the use of NBS in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR; Chapter 6), and the acquisition and management of relevant data (Chapter 7).