Beyond the Green: Exploring how municipalities consider the planning and implementation of nature-based solutions

Abstract: Nature-based solutions (NbS) are gaining popularity as tools to address societal challenges while providing social, economic, and environmental benefits. Given that NbS is a relatively new concept, there is a lack of guidance on how NbS in urban areas can be adapted to fit their socio-spatial context and provide benefits. This research uses an exploratory comparative case study between Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Malmö, Sweden, to generate insights into practitioners’ considerations when planning for and implementing NbS and how these can differ. It triangulates qualitative interviews with policy document analysis to explore how NbS are considered in the everyday practicalities of municipal planning. This thesis finds that foundational and organisational factors include the lacking use of the term ‘NbS’ in practice and the importance of economic aspects in decision-making. Because of limited space in the urban fabric, multifunctionality is important and provides a platform to combine budgets. During planning and implementation, NbS are developed on a problem-solving basis, often piggybacking on other projects for cost efficiency. The social benefits of NbS are appreciated, and formal and informal involvement processes are used to adapt projects to their local context. The outcomes and goals show that the visibility of NbS has many benefits. This research finds that prioritisation is key throughout the planning- and implementation process of NbS in both cities. Additionally, ways of social involvement are person-dependent. Lastly, while academia has adopted the term, ‘NbS’ has not translated to municipal practice yet.