“Guidelines for systematic upload/update of NBS case studies from Biodiversa+ to NBS repositories”
Published: January 2025 | DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14947165
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are key for tackling our planet’s pressing environmental and societal challenges. But how do we effectively share the knowledge and insights gained from these projects? This report provides an overview of NbS platforms, repositories, and tools, highlighting key case study hubs. It also offers practical guidance on selecting the right repository for sharing case studies—based on project outputs and the challenges they address.
Who’s it for? Researchers and practitioners looking to share their NbS work, as well as stakeholders seeking reliable NbS insights.
Mapping NbS platforms
We analysed 115 NbS tools and platforms, categorising them by the type of data they store. Of these, 27 were tagged as ‘Case Studies’ and ‘Knowledge Exchange’ hubs. We narrowed it down to 12 platforms that allow users to upload and update content, then developed parameters to guide repository selection. Here’s the breakdown:
- Type of outcomes, grouped into three main categories:
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- Actions & initiatives: Practical, on-the-ground projects.
- Strategies including policies: Long-term planning and governance.
- Data from monitoring KPIs: Evidence-based evaluations of Nature-based Solution effectiveness.
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- Addressed societal challenges, aligned with the 12 challenges outlined in NetworkNature’s European Roadmap, grouped into three thematic areas:
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- Environmental resilience: Climate and resource management.
- Economy & governance: Economic opportunities and societal transformation.
- Human-related services: Food security, social equity, and health.
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- Additional Parameters: Six additional parameters refined repository selection to distinguish between a focus on biodiversity or business. Upload modalities (email, forms, platform) and response times were also assessed.
The results of the analysis are presented through a flowchart and 12 repository profiles, containing synthetic information on each repository to guide the selection process for uploading procedures.
Insights
The analysis reveals a broad array of accessible resources for NbS, but there’s a notable imbalance in the type of information available. Key needs include:
- Increasing case study and monitoring data storage,
- Standardising performance indicators,
- Prioritising tangible implementations for empirical data,
- Fostering synergy between repositories to reduce information fragmentation.
Flowchart
This interactive flowchart will help you choose a repository. Click on your output type (left side), your focus (biodiversity or business, bottom), and the societal challenge addressed (right side). You can also click on each platform’s name to access an info sheet with details on the upload process, focus areas, and specific features (e.g., email submission or web form). Use the flowchart along with these info sheets for a smooth selection process. Consider uploading to multiple repositories to boost your visibility and impact.
