Task Force 2 (TF2) enables all nature-based solutions projects funded under Horizon 2020 to collaborate on demonstrating the multiple benefits of their projects according to different areas/topics as well as testing and implementing the Handbook and its recommended indicators. The primary activity until now has been the development of the Handbook for Practitioners on “Evaluating the Impact of Nature-based Solutions” - which will be published soon. That is why from April 2021, TF2 has adopted a new dynamic to cover a diverse range of topics.
Objectives:
Task Force 2 will strengthen and centralize the evidence base for NbS: it aims to compile and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of NbS (in achieving environmental, social and economic challenges). This evidence, just like the previous Handbook for Practitioners will help to inform decision-making and policy-making at local, regional, and national levels.
Key activities: to date five work streams have been defined and each of them, under the coordination of a lead or co-leaders, will define the workstream activities and outputs for 2021:
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Handbook monitoring, testing and implementation: dedicated to the testing and implementation of the Handbook and its recommended indicators. The overarching goal is to create the evidence to further improve the Handbook. Other minor and more specific outputs (eg. joint publication of a research paper) could be also envisaged.
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Economic valuation of NbS benefits : workstream dedicated to enhance knowledge related to the economic valuation of NbS benefits (eg. through the application of the SEEA methodology or other similar approaches). The overarching goal is to further improve the Handbook. Other minor and more specific outputs (eg. joint publication of a research paper) could be also envisaged as well as collaboration with TF3.
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Health and NbS: workstream dedicated to enhance knowledge related to assessing the impacts of NbS on health. The overarching goal is to further improve the Handbook. Other minor and more specific outputs (eg. joint publication of a research paper) could be also envisaged.
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NbS Biodiversity: workstream dedicated to enhance knowledge related to the monitoring of biodiversity within NbS projects. The overarching goal is to further improve the Handbook. Other minor and more specific outputs (eg. joint publication of a research paper) could be also envisaged.
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Marine environment: workstream dedicated to enhance knowledge related to assessing the impacts of NbS in marine/coastal environments. The overarching goal is to further improve the Handbook. Other minor and more specific outputs (eg. joint publication of a research paper) could be also envisaged.