Abstract

Nature-Based Solutions refer to contemporary approaches for restoring spatially defined urban and landscape areas. An important requirement is that restoration is carried out using green (vegetation) and/or blue (water) infrastructure, including green-blue combinations and hybrid solutions with a modest share of grey infrastructure, for example concrete and metals. Defining the societal challenges that the restoration should address and respect is essential. The European Commission defines Nature-Based Solutions as nature-inspired, cost-effective solutions that support both biodiversity and human well-being. Within the European Commission project ECOsystem-based governance with DAnube lighthouse Living Lab for sustainable Innovation processes, the task was set to develop a methodology for assessing Nature-Based Solutions relevant to the European Union Mission Ocean and Waters in the Danube River Basin. This article reviews a comprehensive body of publications on Nature-Based Solutions and synthesises them into a structured framework for restoration projects. The synthesis can be useful for future practitioners by reducing working time and costs. In addition to the assessment procedure, the framework is extended with a toolbox for practitioners and implementers. It is structured using a flowchart that includes descriptions of activities, the related documents, and relevant decision points. The framework should be treated as a baseline that can be readily upgraded and adapted to specific restoration cases. It incorporates participatory planning and governance, involving stakeholders and participatory democracy, as well as citizen engagement, especially in the monitoring and evaluation phase grounded in deliberative democracy.