Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Planning in the European Environmental Policy Framework: Analysis of the State of the Art and Recommendations for Future Development

Claudia de Luca, Sandra Naumann, McKenna Davis and Simona Tondelli
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Claudia de Luca: Alma Mater Studiorum, Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Sandra Naumann: Ecologic Institute, 10717 Berlin, Germany
McKenna Davis: Ecologic Institute, 10717 Berlin, Germany
Simona Tondelli: Alma Mater Studiorum, Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-22

Abstract: Sustainable urban planning (SUP) is crucial in the development of sustainable cities, as also underlined by the New Urban Agenda. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being recognized for their potential to offer multiple benefits that are necessary in order to cope with present and future urban challenges. The European policy framework, including the recently released European Green Deal, could strongly boost the role and recognition of NBS and SUP as drivers of sustainable and inclusive urban transition. Through a content analysis of current environmental European policies, strategies and agreements, this paper provides (i) an overview of the state of the art of the environmental European policy framework and the recognized role of NBS and SUP in reaching defined objectives, and (ii) insights on where NBS and SUP could play a larger role within this framework. On this basis, the paper identifies gaps and develops recommendations for a better integration of such concepts into the current framework.

Keywords: sustainable urban planning; nature-based solutions; European policy framework (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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