A literature review from the perspective of funders

2 minutes

Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are increasingly acknowledged as effective strategies to address the pressures of urbanisation and climate change, contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable cities. However, one of the main obstacles to their widespread implementation remains securing adequate financial resources.

In the article Financing urban Nature-based Solutions (NBS): A literature review from the perspective of funders, published in the journal Nature-Based Solutions, our team presents a systematic review of the scientific literature aimed at identifying barriers and strategies for financing urban NBS, specifically from the perspective of funders and co-funders.

Key insights from the study
Among the most cited strategies are: knowledge sharing, the development of innovative and alternative financing models, and collaboration between public and private actors. Co-design and co-financing mechanisms are highlighted as key tools to overcome the budget constraints typically faced by public authorities.

Who should be involved?
The paper highlights the need to better understand the role of specific stakeholder groups — including corporations, insurance companies, real estate firms, and water utilities — whose contribution may be crucial to scaling up NBS implementation in urban areas.

Authors
Anna Biasin – University of Padua and Etifor | Valuing Nature
Helen Toxopeus – Utrecht University
Davide Pettenella – University of Padua
Friedemann Polzin – Utrecht University
Mauro Masiero – University of Padua

Full reference
Financing urban Nature-based Solutions (NBS): A literature review from the perspective of funders (2024)
Published in Nature-Based Solutions, Volume 6, 2024, Article 100195
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