Co-benefits of nature-based solutions exceed the costs of implementation

Abstract

Abstract Nature-based Solutions’ (NbS) potential for multiple benefits across ecosystems and societies justify their uptake in policy and implementation. This study contributes to closing the gap in quantifying the multiple outcomes of NbS by evaluating the multifunctionality of 85 NbS actions in the Alps. We assessed biodiversity co-benefits, the economic value of four Ecosystem Services (ES) provided by these NbS, and their respective beneficiaries: heatwave mitigation, flood regulation, climate regulation, and landslide protection. Our results show the diversity of NbS, with forest NbS having high values for all ES, river and wetland NbS showing high values for biodiversity, and urban NbS, presenting lower biodiversity value but being highly cost-effective and benefiting a larger population. We estimated an average ES economic value per hectare of NbS of 424,662 Euros, with a three to one return on investment. We discuss the need for integrating biodiversity and multiple ES for future NbS funding and implementation together with their role to mitigate and adapt to climate change.