Contents

Acknowledgements

Key messages .

Executive summary

1 Introduction 

1.1 Rationale and aim

1.2 Nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

1.3 Nature-based solutions and societal challenges

1.4 Structure of the report

2 Global and European policy frameworks

2.1 Approach

2.2 Global policy framework

2.3 EU policy framework

2.4 Gaps, barriers and opportunities

3 Knowledge base on nature‑based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

3.1 Climate hazards for selected European sectors and thematic areas

3.2 Climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and nature-based solutions

3.3 Multiple benefits of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

3.4 Opportunities for implementing nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

3.5 Limitations of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

3.6 Water management and nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

3.7 Forests and forestry and nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

3.8 Agriculture and nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

3.9 Urban areas and nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

3.11 Knowledge gaps and research needs

4 An analysis of practical uses of nature‑based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Europe

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Review and examples of analysed cases

5 Financing nature-based solutions

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Economic policy instruments

5.3 Insurance-related instruments

5.4 Debt and equity instruments

5.5 Business model innovation

5.6 European funds

6 Conclusions

6.1 Global and EU policy frameworks

6.2 Improving the knowledge base

6.3 Challenges for the implementation

6.4 Financing the implementation

6.5  Knowledge platforms 

Abbreviations and symbols.

References

Annex 1 Links to EEA activities

Annex 2 Overview of the key climate hazards identified for Europe

Annex 3 The selected cases of nature‑based solutions in Europe

Annex 4 Descriptions of the example cases of nature‑based solutions in Europe

A4.1 Brague case (France): flash flooding and wildfire hazards in a Mediterranean catchment

A4.2 Serchio river basin case (Italy): floods and drought risks in a Mediterranean basin

A4.3 LIFE Resilient Forest case (Germany, Portugal and Spain): coupling water, fire and climate resilience with biomass production in forestry to adapt watersheds to climate change

A4.4 Agroforestry case (France): increasing resilience and productivity

A4.5 Tullstorpsån 2.0 case (Sweden): adapting agriculture to wetter and drier climates

A4.7 Blue-green corridors case (Belgrade, Serbia): mitigating natural hazards and restoration of urbanised areas

A4.8 Green roof case (Hamburg, Germany): combining regulation, dialogue, incentives and science

A4.9 Ugento case (Italy): using beached leaves of Posidonia (seagrass) to protect dunes

A4.10 Hermes case (Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece): a harmonised framework to  mitigate coastal erosion

A4.11 Terracing in mountains (France and Spain): preventing landslides with old techniques

Annex 5 Knowledge platforms addressing nature‑based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction at European and national levels

A5.1 Introduction

A5.2 Overview of relevant platforms

Annex 6 Glossary