The role of strategic planning in Nature- based Solutions (NBS) transformation: An evaluation of the Green Cities Framework in mainstreaming NBS in 6 European countries

Urban areas are currently experiencing a number of adverse effects associated with both climate induced change and the nature of development processes. This has led to, not only a reduction in the provision and performance of environmental attributes but has also generated threats to the well-being of urban inhabitants. In response, the concept of Nature- based Solutions (NBS) has emerged as a means of reconfiguring spatial interactions to maximize adaptation and resilience. Despite this however, the process of transition for NBS has frequently encountered several governance related challenges. This paper examines the extent to which the Green Cities Framework (GCF) can overcome these limitations and aid NBS mainstreaming. Through policy-based experimentation in six European Cities we assess the ability of the GCF to deliver improved NBS capacity and innovation. The research revealed positive strategic planning improvements in all cities studied. Particular areas of strength included improvements to NBS visioning, working group collaboration, climate impact and vulnerability assessment, integration with existing planning instruments and processes, business model development and post-decision evaluation. Several areas of potential improvement were also revealed. These were primarily associated with difficulties in communicating with all relevant actors, concerns with undertaking financial assessments and defining NBS standards for procurement.