Nature-based solutions for Europe’s sustainable development

Pursuing economic targets of job creation, growth and innovation while tackling global environmental challenges has long been seen as impossible. However, any long-term economic competitiveness and security depends on the extent to which natural resources are used sustainably. Therefore, the European Union is investing in nature-based solutions to achieve this double goal. The difference between the prevailing economic model and a sustainable resource use has long seemed insurmountable. While many debates are paralyzed or radicalized, nature-based solutions could offer a transition path with realistic, incremental steps towards a sustainable economy as envisaged by the EU Horizon 2020 vision. This paper outlines the basics of a nature-based scenario for Europe, and proposes criteria to focus, guide and evaluate the implementation of nature-based solutions, geared at production of wide socio-economic benefits, provision of jobs, and low-carbon technology innovations.

MAES Joachim;  JACOBS Sander; 

2017-02-28

WILEY-BLACKWELL

JRC95708

1755-263X,   

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.12216/full,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC95708,   

10.1111/conl.12216,