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Nature-based solutions: criteria

Nature volume 543, page 315 (2017)Cite this article

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The lack of a precise definition for the term 'nature-based solutions' risks making it seem arbitrary and impractical (see Nature 541, 133–134; 2017). We therefore propose three criteria for applying these solutions that will strengthen the concept's role in improving policy on well-defined societal challenges.

First, nature-based solutions need to provide simultaneous benefits for society, the economy and nature. Second, the term should be understood to represent a transdisciplinary umbrella that encompasses experience from existing concepts such as 'blue–green infrastructure' in engineering, 'natural capital' and 'ecosystem services' in economics, and 'landscape functions' in environmental planning. Third, a nature-based solution needs to be introduced gradually, to allow time for careful assessment of its application in real-life settings and further refinement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Leibniz University of Hanover, Germany

    Christian Albert

  2. Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research UFZ, Halle, Germany

    Joachim H. Spangenberg

  3. Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany

    Barbara Schröter

Authors
  1. Christian Albert
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  2. Joachim H. Spangenberg
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  3. Barbara Schröter
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Correspondence to Christian Albert.

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‘Nature-based solutions’ is the latest green jargon that means more than you might think

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Albert, C., Spangenberg, J. & Schröter, B. Nature-based solutions: criteria. Nature 543, 315 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/543315b

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