28: Nature-based solutions in sustainable water governance

Summary

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are approaches that address various environmental and societal challenges by using nature and natural processes, including green infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, natural water-retention measures, agroecology or nature-based urban design. NBSs have great potential to contribute positively to sustainable water governance. This Chapter explains the concept of NBSs, their evolution and their relationship to water governance. The Chapter provides insight into the manner in which selected EU policies can promote the use of NBSs. The assessment uses the eight criteria of the IUCN Global Standard for NBSs, and it includes the Nature Restoration Law, the Habitats Directive, the Water Framework Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Floods Directive, the Pesticides and Nitrates Directives, and other policies. The Chapter concludes with a suggested way forward that ensures that NBSs are integrated better into EU water governance.