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

Nature-based solutions offer multiple benefits for ecosystems and societies, supporting their inclusion in policy and practice. This study contributes to closing the gap in quantifying the multiple outcomes of nature-based solutions by assessing 83 nature-based solutions in the Alps. We assessed biodiversity co-benefits and the monetary value of four ecosystem services (heatwave mitigation, flood regulation, climate regulation, and landslide protection) provided by these nature-based solutions to their respective beneficiaries.

Forest nature-based solutions showed high values for the four ecosystem services, river and wetland nature-based solutions showed high values for biodiversity, and urban nature-based solutions contributed a lower biodiversity value but were highly cost effective, benefiting a larger population. We estimated a 2.8:1 return on investment benefiting a total of 91,324 persons. We highlight the need for integrating biodiversity and multiple ecosystem services for future nature-based solutions funding and implementation, together with their role to mitigate and adapt to climate change.