Resource description:
Climate risks in Europe are accelerating at twice the global average, outpacing society’s ability to respond. While mitigation remains essential, urgent and transformative adaptation is equally critical. Nature-based solutions (NbS) at the landscape scale offer powerful tools to build resilience, yet their deployment is slowed by fragmented governance, limited capacity, and restricted access to suitable funding. The EU policy framework already holds strong potential to support NbS, but misalignment and implementation gaps continue to hinder progress. Improved access to funding, clearer indicators, stronger technical assistance, and performance-based financing could unlock wider adoption. At the same time, innovative finance mechanisms must be paired with robust standards and credible regulation to build trust and scale investment. Stronger governance, cross-sector coordination, and practical tools are key enablers. Enhanced monitoring, flexible indicators, and better data systems will be essential to ensure accountability, drive learning, and maximize the long-term impact of NbS across Europe.
Author/Contact:
Louis Durrant - Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) (ldurrant@ieep.eu)
Boipelo Tshwene-Mauchaza - The UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP WCMC)
