Resource description:
The Nordic Policy Handbook for Nature-based Solutions provides practical advice and examples for developing policies that support, mainstream and upscale nature-based solutions in the Nordic region.
It is primarily aimed at policy- and decision-makers at local, regional and national levels, while also providing useful input for organisations, the private sector and other actors working with nature-based solutions.
The online handbook can be explored by societal challenge, policy type, governance level and cross-cutting themes. It presents policy approaches, examples and lessons from across the Nordic countries to support wider implementation of nature-based solutions.
The handbook was developed through the A-DVICE project by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Norion Consult, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Ensucon AB and the University of Iceland, and was commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Author/Contact:
Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), in collaboration with Norion Consult, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Ensucon AB and the University of Iceland.
Contact: nbs@niva.no
Requirements:
- Internet access to use the online handbook.
- No specialist software is required.
- Users should consider the relevant local social, ecological and administrative context when applying the policy advice and examples.
Advantages:
- Provides practical policy advice for mainstreaming and upscaling nature-based solutions.
- Can be explored by governance level, societal challenge, policy type and cross-cutting themes.
- Includes policy examples and lessons from across the Nordic countries.
Constraints:
- The handbook does not provide a complete overview of all existing nature-based solutions policies in the Nordic countries.
- Policy examples and recommendations may not be directly transferable between countries or contexts.
- Policies change over time, so newer developments may not be reflected in the handbook
Uses of this resource:
The handbook can be used by policy- and decision-makers at local, regional and national levels to identify practical approaches for supporting, mainstreaming and upscaling nature-based solutions. Users can explore advice and examples according to societal challenge, policy type, governance level and cross-cutting themes. It can also support learning and inspiration across Nordic countries, sectors and administrative levels.
Partners:
Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Norion Consult, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Ensucon AB and the University of Iceland.
Additional information:
Developed through the A-DVICE project (2022–2024), part of the Nordic programme on nature-based solutions funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The handbook was developed with input from Nordic public administrations, experts, interviewees and workshop participants.
Sustainable Development Goals:
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6. Clean water and sanitation
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11. Sustainable cities and communities
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13. Climate action
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14. Life below water
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15. Life on land
Description:
The Nordic Policy Handbook for Nature-based Solutions provides practical advice and examples for developing policies that support, mainstream and upscale nature-based solutions in the Nordic region. It is aimed primarily at policy- and decision-makers at local, regional and national levels.
Publisher:
Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
