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6. Concluding remarks and recommen­dations

As we conclude the exploration of the eight nature-based solutions (NBS) pilot projects, we present key recommendations and their broader implications for NBS in the Nordic context. Section 6.1 discusses specific aspects and suggestions pertinent to the ongoing and future Nordic NBS initiatives. Section 6.2 is divided in two parts, one providing recommendations for those directly involved in NBS projects and one section with recommendations for stakeholders and policymakers who facilitate, enable and support the implementation of NBS.

6.1 Recommendations concerning the NBS pilot projects

The eight NBS pilot projects serve as tangible demonstrations of the potential that NBS applications have in the Nordic region. Having followed the projects for about half or a little longer of their duration, it is evident that the experiences and the insights that have emerged from their planning, establishment and in some cases operational phases align with and reaffirm established international findings on NBS projects.
Identifying and understanding the unique features of the Nordics is relevant for effectively adapting measures and strategies to national and local conditions. These projects highlight Nordic characteristics, such as short growing seasons and harsh weather conditions, which influence the running and implementation of the NBS projects. Also, the Nordics have a strong public sector and high taxation welfare model, along with strict environmental laws, permits and strong landownership, shaping the context in which these projects operate, impacting both their execution and standards. This can influence how quickly and easily projects can be implemented, but also ensures higher standards for environmental protection as well as landowner rights.
As the NBS pilot projects are still ongoing, a follow-up study is warranted to complete the insights covering the full project-cycle of the NBS pilots and beyond. This is especially interesting as all eight projects emphasized the importance of the external funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) to get the pilots started. A crucial question is if the NBS initiatives manage to continue long-term after the project and program period is over. The outcomes of the national pilot projects carry unique implications and knowledge relevant for advancing and implementing similar projects. Therefore, to continue to study the NBS after the projects are officially finished, is something we highly recommend. This will ensure a comprehensive understanding of their long-term impacts and efficacy. The IUCN Global Standard for NBS, although not actively used in the pilot projects thus far, could hold relevance and merit for both assessing and guiding future initiatives, as it was observed that many of the dimensions in the criteria of the IUCN standard were highly relevant in the eight projects.  
We also recommend continuing to encourage the exchange of experiences among the pilot projects and other relevant stakeholders during the remainder of the NCM’s NBS program. This can foster a collaborative environment that promotes shared learning and risk-taking for the collective advancement of NBS in the Nordics and beyond.

6.2 Recommendations for enhancing the implementation of nature-based solutions in the Nordics

Drawing on the insights gathered, we conclude by offering a set of recommendations aimed at achieving a broader, more effective, and efficient implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) in the Nordic region. The recommendations target NBS practitioners i.e., professionals planning, designing, establishing and running NBS projects as well as enablers of NBS i.e., policymakers, bureaucrats, funding organisations and other stakeholders supporting and setting the framework for NBS implementation.

6.2.1 Recommendations for implementors and practitioners of NBS

Given the diversity of NBS, the different types of NBS projects and the varied contexts in which they are applied, it is crucial to acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Implementation strategies should be tailored to each location's individual characteristics, requiring place- and context-specific assessments. Yet, based on our study of the processes in the eight NBS pilot projects, some common key aspects emerged. As these findings are in line with leading frameworks on NBS, we indicate how they relate to relevant parts of the IUCN global standard for NBS (see overview of these in the box):
In brackets we indicate where the recommendations in this report are in line with the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions’ criteria. It is important to note that our empirically derived recommendations are not intended to replace any other guidelines or recommendations, and that they do not necessarily capture all elements of the IUCN criteria that we refer to. See also chapter 2.2.
  • Prioritizing stakeholder engagement: Aim to actively involve local communities, landowners, citizens, governmental bodies, and other relevant stakeholders in all phases of the NBS project. Awareness of their needs, interests and capacity for involvement makes engagement activities meaningful for the different actors and benefits the project. Fostering collaborative decision-making processes can ensure that diverse perspectives and local knowledge are considered. (IUCN criterion 1, 5, 8)
  • Comprehensive site analysis and planning: Understanding site conditions, as well as meticulous planning, is essential for selecting suitable areas for NBS. Consider land use, landownership and prioritize spaces where interventions are feasible and impactful. Prior to physical implementation, conduct thorough site assessments including e.g. assessment of soil and other relevant environmental conditions, mapping of elements affecting where and how the NBS can be established such as e.g., water pipes, areas of high cultural values. Make sure to understand and respect landowner rights and priorities. (IUCN criterion 2)
  • Holistic approach for multifunctionality: Considering the broader landscape, including the catchment and its usage, is essential to achieve the multi-functional outcomes desired from the NBS. Considering the area's dynamics is crucial not only to prevent shifting or generating new problems, but also to identify the most effective solutions. Often, these solutions are multifunctional, reflecting the competition for various land uses. Thus, a holistic approach requires inclusion of diverse perspectives and expertise, including, but not limited to, diverse users of the land/area. (IUCN criteria 2, 6)
The ICUN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions
  1. NBS effectively address societal challenges
  2. The design of NBS are informed by scale
  3. NBS result in a net gain to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity
  4. NBS are economically viable
  5. NBS are based on inclusive, transparent and empowering governance processes
  6. NBS equitably balance trade-offs between the achievement of their primary goal(s) and the continued provision of multiple benefits
  7. NBS are managed adaptively, based on evidence
  8. NBS are mainstreamed within an appropriate jurisdictional context
For more details see Chapter 2.
  • Ecological diversity and ecological principles: The improvement of ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity benefits are fundamental to NBS. Implementation therefore needs to emphasize the enhancement of biodiversity through the selection of locally appropriate NBS, both in terms of what species are planted or used, and the enhancement of biodiversity through habitat creation, e.g., the enhancement of bird or butterfly biodiversity by increased quality and quantity of river and stream riparian habitat. Working at the landscape and/or the catchment scale, considering ecological principles (e.g., bottlenecks and founder events, population dynamics, trophic cascades, large-scale ecological processes) can help to maximize the positive ecological and biodiversity impact on local ecosystems and enhance long-term sustainability. Consider not only the site where your NBS is located, but also other connected ecosystems (Palmer, 2016; Lindenmayer, 2020) (IUCN criterion 3)
  • Adaptability and resilience planning: Design NBS projects with a focus on adaptability and resilience, so that they are effective despite changing environmental conditions, climate change and other short-term and long-term uncertainties. NBS are not static, they influence their surroundings as well as being shaped by socio-environmental conditions. Incorporate flexible NBS design and management strategies that allow for adaptation over time based on ongoing monitoring and feedback. (IUCN criterion 7)
  • Effective use of resources and expertise: Leverage local expertise and resources to ensure the that the NBS project is grounded in the community's context and capabilities. Identify, work together with and train local contractors and entrepreneurs who can effectively implement NBS on the ground. When needed, collaborate with experts from other locations, including abroad, while being mindful of local conditions and needs. (IUCN criterion 4, 5)
  • Monitoring and documentation: Implement monitoring and documentation throughout the NBS project-cycle, and if possible, beyond. This includes tracking progress, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and gathering data on ecological and social impacts. This helps to adapt strategies as needed, as well as providing valuable insights for stakeholders and the broader NBS community. Regular documentation ensures that lessons learned are captured and that these can be used to share knowledge and to guide future NBS initiatives. (IUCN criterion 1–8)
  • Capacity building and education: Aim to empower the local community with the knowledge and skills needed for the long-term NBS stewardship. Promote a sense of community ownership and sustained success beyond the project by e.g. engaging the community in maintenance activities. Inform and educate citizens by creating informative materials and implementing targeted strategies to inspire future NBS actions. Establishing demonstration sites and working with NBS ambassadors e.g., school children and students, could be part of this. (IUCN criterion 5, 8)
Given that we have not followed the pilot projects for their full duration, these recommendations above are based on the project phases studied.

6.2.2 Recommendations for NBS enablers  

The insights derived from the study of the eight pilot projects have confirmed the important role of policy and enabling mechanisms for nature-based solutions (NBS). The success of and mainstreaming of NBS hinges not just on appropriate design and implementation, but also on the supporting policies and enabling factors, such as access to funding and adequate processes for obtaining the necessary permits.
Our recommendation to NBS enablers, reflecting the eight ICUN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions’ criteria, are:
  • Promote understanding and applications of NBS: Convey the impacts of NBS by emphasising their local benefits, particularly when communicating with actors unfamiliar with the concept. It's essential to communicate what NBS can contribute in contrast to other approaches. NBS address social, economic, and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human wellbeing, ecosystem services, resilience, and biodiversity benefits.
  • Facilitate and promote monitoring and documentation of NBS projects and interventions: Recognize the significance of monitoring and evaluation of NBS by strongly encouraging or requiring it in tenders and project calls, while at the same time facilitating it in terms of funding. Allocate additional dedicated funds to support long-term monitoring and evaluation after completion of NBS projects. There is a lot to learn by one's own doing, but also from others' experiences – to be inspired by their successes and avoid making the same mistakes twice. Emphasize learning from both successes and failures to enhance future NBS initiatives and enable NBS project outcomes to be thoroughly documented and reported, by setting aside funds for it.
  • Facilitate cross-Nordic sharing and learning: Encourage the exchange of experiences and lessons learned among NBS projects across the Nordics and beyond. Foster a platform for ongoing communication, for example through seminars or joint projects, to enhance mutual learning and support networking. Teams working on NBS can benefit from mutual support.  
  • Provide institutional support mechanisms and policies: Support the effectiveness of NBS projects by ensuring supportive institutional mechanisms at all phases of the projects. Recognize that pioneering projects often encounter unexpected challenges and therefore explore ways to mitigate risks, such as providing flexible, but structured support. Acknowledge context-specific needs and challenges faced by project teams and consider embedding some flexibility in for example framework conditions, project calls and guidelines to accommodate diverse scenarios.
  • Promote transdisciplinary, cross-sectoral, and inclusive approaches: Holistic perspectives ensures the support in NBS projects that foster collaboration across various disciplines, sectors, actors and knowledges through targeted funding and calls. Recognize that NBS requires land/area. Promote innovative models for engaging landowners and other stakeholders, which emphasise the importance of multifunctional land use and ownership considerations.
  • Establish a comprehensive financing framework: Broad-based, long-term funding structures are needed to support and cover all phases of NBS projects, recognizing the importance of planning, maintenance, and post-monitoring phases. Continue the Nordic funding to accelerate NBS adoption, successful implementation and consolidation. Ensure that funding schemes in all Nordic countries accommodate the varying timelines of NBS projects, from quick implementations to those where nature takes longer to fully function and show the results of the intervention. Stability in financing is vital; unpredictable funding can hinder project initiation due to uncertainties about the longevity of financial support.
Nordic Council of Ministers I www.norden.org/publications I pub@norden.org