Success factors for NBS policy integration
Integrating nature-based solutions in policy: Success factors
Mainstreaming nature-based solutions (NbS) in policy is essential to ensure widespread uptake and implementation and can further serve as a tool to increase NbS support, funding and participatory design. In the case of CLEVER Cities’ partner Quito, efforts to mainstream NbS were seen as being necessary to increase the number of project proposals for mitigating extreme weather effects, such as from heavy rainstorms, landslides and floods. Within CLEVER’s lifetime, several successful examples of NbS mainstreaming were accomplished:
aims to establish a regulatory framework for the protection, encouragement and preservation of urban vegetation, aligned with Quito’s Urban Green Network. NbS is promoted as part of greening efforts within the urban area of the city in addition to sustainable drainage systems
establishes NbS as part of the Urban Building Standards, more specifically related to the design of public spaces encouraging e.g. permeable areas, green infrastructure, community gardens.
promotes climate resilience against natural disaster risks through green and blue infrastructure implementation. NbS are presented as a means to reduce vulnerability against climate change effects, as well as for conservation, water catchment and the promotion of permeable areas within urban areas.
NbS included as a climate change adaptation tool that reduces social and economic gaps, while increasing access to green spaces.
The approval of the ordinances and plans is considered a major breakthrough, as they change the way that nature is perceived by the population and enables NbS to become much more prevalent in Quito’s urban planning.