Strategic planning

Key Priorities in NBS Planning

Planning Nature-Based Solutions requires a holistic, adaptive, and context-sensitive approach. First, NBS should be designed as multifunctional systems, not single-purpose installations. This means considering both primary benefits (e.g., flood control, water quality) and co-benefits (biodiversity, social well-being) from the outset, and using a systems approach to minimize trade-offs between objectives.

Second, local conditions like climate, rainfall patterns, freeze-thaw cycles, and soil characteristics strongly influence performance. Cold climates, for example, demand additional measures such as well-drained soils and maintenance strategies to prevent freezing and salt-related impacts.

Third, planning must integrate long-term adaptability. Unlike grey infrastructure, NBS performance changes over time due to ecological dynamics and climate stressors. Designers must anticipate these changes and include maintenance and rehabilitation commitments in the design process.

Fourth, technological integration is increasingly important. NBS are evolving from simple soil-based systems to sensor-managed, real-time controlled solutions. Smart technologies can enhance water quality and quantity regulation, but their effectiveness varies, especially during extreme events, so planners must choose the right level of technology for the context.

Fifth, synergy with existing infrastructure is essential. NBS should not replace grey systems in isolation but complement them through hybrid solutions. This requires integrated planning across urban infrastructure domains and better modeling of interconnections.

Finally, policy alignment and data availability underpin successful implementation. Design standards must fit local regulations, and planners need robust data to optimize multifunctionality. Current gaps include standardized design processes for hybrid systems and research on interconnected networks of NBS.

Common failures in planning phase

• Multifunctionality: cities struggle to evaluate success of NBS beyond primary objectives, as well as low rate of applications to access spatial ecosystem services.
• Connectivity: fragmentation of green spaces, and poor integration with existing grey infrastructure.
• Social equity: not considering diverse needs and values of the community, and gentrification – greening initiatives lead to increase in property values.

Lessons learned on planning in City Blues

Timing matters. Most consequential failures originate in early phases of planning.

Cathment scale thinking is key to success. A singular NBS is more likely to fail unless part of a well-connected system.

Innovation requires tolerance for intelligent failures. The result of experimenting with novel design approaches, materials, monitoring technologies, or adaptive management strategies is an expected part of the innovation process, provided it occurs in an controlled environment, is thoroughly monitored, and generates actionable learning.

Data-based decision-making across the NBS life cycle is important. Smart, standardized data models tailored to a NBS can improve consistency, transparency, and interoperability, which are essential for tracking failure modes, functionality, and performance.