Mainstreaming and Upscaling Fluvial Nature-Based Solutions in Europe: Bridging Science, Society, and Policy

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized as effective and sustainable approaches to address complex water-related challenges such as flood risk, biodiversity loss, and water quality degradation. By leveraging natural processes and ecosystem functions, NbS offer resilient, adaptive, and often cost-effective alternatives or complements to traditional grey infrastructure. In Northwest Europe, interest in NbS is growing, yet widespread implementation is hindered by institutional inertia, limited metrics for co-benefits, and a lack of standardized assessment methods.

This contribution discusses key challenges and opportunities for mainstreaming and upscaling NbS, drawing on a broad base of literature and practical experiences. It emphasizes the need for clear definitions, objective comparison frameworks, and stronger integration of co-benefit valuation into decision-making processes. Tools such as the IUCN Global Standard for NbS offer valuable guidance, yet often require adaptation for specific regional and project contexts.

Insights from the EU-INTERREG ResiRiver project, which includes nine pilot sites across Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands, illustrate both the potential and practical limitations of implementing NbS across varying river types and governance settings. ResiRiver demonstrates how self-assessment tools, stakeholder engagement, and targeted communication strategies—such as policy briefs and virtual excursions—can support more effective adoption.

Achieving large-scale implementation of NbS requires a combination of technical innovation, institutional commitment, and knowledge exchange. Strengthening scientific evidence, improving outcome-based monitoring, and fostering international collaboration will be key to realizing the full potential of NbS in river basin management.