Nature-based solutions knowledge gaps

Explore the nature-based knowledge gap analysis below to help identify future avenues for research.

The knowledge gap database compiles an evidence base for nature-based solutions, to support defining research and innovation avenues, bolster policy and practitioners’ knowledge and knowledge-implementation. The database gathers 'gaps' collected through desk study and online consultations from August to October 2021 (see the NetworkNature report on practical, research and innovation needs for more information). 171 knowledge gaps were collected and categorized into 30 broad gap topics. This database will be updated during the course of the NetworkNature.


Displaying 161 - 169 of 169
Gap Description Origin of source Source Resource Broad topic

What technical knowledge and skills are required for multifunctional urban planning and how can this knowledge be included and interlinked with knowledge on environmental and social systems to produce the best possible synergies for, e.g., climate adaptation and mitigation?

 Desk Study Institutional publication

European Commission. Directorate General for Research and Innovation., 2020. Nature-based solutions: state of the art in EU funded projects. Publications Office, LU.
  • Technical references, design standards and guidelines
  • Effectiveness across socio-ecological contexts

When NbS are treated in isolation they can render negative trade-offs to biodiversity or the society. Carbon sequestration in forests and wood products is a good example because it’s straightforward implementation can easily lead to increased harvest, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity. On the other hand, focusing solely on biodiversity can negatively affect the economic situation of forest owners and the entire wood market. Neither prioritization takes into account maximizing cultural ecosystem services necessary for many stakeholders such as tourists, recreational users, and local residents. The ‘Do-No-Significant-Harm’ (DNSH) principle is recognized in policy instruments, but the implementation is far from easy and requires an integrated and comprehensive approach. An integrated view would try to optimize the various aspects in a more holistic approach. As an example, so far it is largely unknown what effects conservation measures have on the forest carbon sink, the sink in wood products, and the substitution of products with higher emissions. To fully consider the complexity of potential feedbacks, it is crucial to invest in inter- and transdisciplinary research in order to render the desired effects of NbS.

 Online public consulation International or European research organisation/initiative sector

Aggestam, F., Konczal, A., Sotirov, M., Wallin, I., Paillet, Y., Spinelli, R., Lindner, M., Derks, J., Hanewinkel, M., Winkel, G., 2020. Can nature conservation and wood production be reconciled in managed forests? A review of driving factors for integrated forest management in Europe. J Environ Manage 268, 110670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110670
  • Effectiveness across socio-ecological contexts
  • Biodiversity benefits

Which Nbs are adapted to dry conditions and to minimize irrigation needs

 Desk Study Academic literature

Grace, M., Balzan, M., Collier, M., Geneletti, D., Tomaskinova, J., Abela, R., Borg, D., Buhagiar, G., Camilleri, L., Cardona, M., Cassar, N., Cassar, R., Cattafi, I., Cauchi, D., Galea, C., La Rosa, D., Malekkidou, E., Masini, M., Portelli, P., Pungetti, G., Spagnol, M., Zahra, J., Zammit, A., Dicks, L.V., 2021. Priority knowledge needs for implementing nature-based solutions in the Mediterranean islands. Environmental Science & Policy 116, 56–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.10.016
  • Effectiveness across socio-ecological contexts

Which NbS are suited to dense urban areas with a built environment of high cultural heritage value?

 Desk Study Academic literature

Grace, M., Balzan, M., Collier, M., Geneletti, D., Tomaskinova, J., Abela, R., Borg, D., Buhagiar, G., Camilleri, L., Cardona, M., Cassar, N., Cassar, R., Cattafi, I., Cauchi, D., Galea, C., La Rosa, D., Malekkidou, E., Masini, M., Portelli, P., Pungetti, G., Spagnol, M., Zahra, J., Zammit, A., Dicks, L.V., 2021. Priority knowledge needs for implementing nature-based solutions in the Mediterranean islands. Environmental Science & Policy 116, 56–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.10.006
  • Effectiveness across socio-ecological contexts

Which NbS make the most efficient use of land, when land is scarce?

 Desk Study Academic literature

Grace, M., Balzan, M., Collier, M., Geneletti, D., Tomaskinova, J., Abela, R., Borg, D., Buhagiar, G., Camilleri, L., Cardona, M., Cassar, N., Cassar, R., Cattafi, I., Cauchi, D., Galea, C., La Rosa, D., Malekkidou, E., Masini, M., Portelli, P., Pungetti, G., Spagnol, M., Zahra, J., Zammit, A., Dicks, L.V., 2021. Priority knowledge needs for implementing nature-based solutions in the Mediterranean islands. Environmental Science & Policy 116, 56–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.10.008
  • Effectiveness across socio-ecological contexts

While substantial research has investigated the potential for synergies and trade‐offs in ecosystem service flows related to green space management, the potential for positive and negative impacts are rarely considered across challenge sets.

 Desk Study Grey literature

Raymond, C.M., Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (Great Britain), 2017. An impact evaluation framework to support planning and evaluation of nature-based solutions projects: prepared by the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group on nature-based solutions to promote climate resilience in urban areas.
  • Negative impacts

While there is substantial knowledge and information on urban climate systems, there is an important knowledge gap concerning how to communicate NBS and climate information (e.g. thermal comfort data) to a range of local stakeholders in a meaningful way.

 Desk Study Grey literature

Raymond, C.M., Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (Great Britain), 2017. An impact evaluation framework to support planning and evaluation of nature-based solutions projects: prepared by the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group on nature-based solutions to promote climate resilience in urban areas.
  • Communication

With respect to small-scale NBS, apart from the need to continuously gain further evidence on their individual performance characteristics in different settings (i.e., different climate conditions, quantity and quality, cultural and governance contexts, single and multiple hazards, etc.) and associated costs, more efforts are needed to address the full potential of their co- benefits and how these can be quantified and/or monetised.

 Desk Study Institutional publication

European Commission. Directorate General for Research and Innovation., 2020. Nature-based solutions: state of the art in EU funded projects. Publications Office, LU.
  • Cost/benefit evaluations
  • Effectiveness across socio-ecological contexts

Yet, little effort has been made to date, to arrive at operational guidance for policy, what measures are warranted to spur the demand for NBS, and what criteria to apply in this regard.

 Desk Study Grey literature

McQuaid, Siobhán, Rhodes, Mary-Lee, Andersson, Thomas, Croci, Edoardo, Feichtinger-Hofer, Marianne, Grosjean, Matthieu, Lueck, Alina, Kooijman, Esmee, Lucchitta, Benedetta, Rizzi, Daniela, Reil, Alice, Schante, Joanne, 2021. From Nature-based Solutions to the Nature-based Economy - Delivering the Green Deal for Europe. Draft White Paper for consultation. Nature-based Economy Working Group of EC Task Force III on Nature-based Solutions. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5055606
  • Approaches and governance systems for implementation

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