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Innovating with Nature: From Nature-Based Solutions to Nature-Based Enterprises

Author

Listed:
  • Esmee D. Kooijman

    (School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin, Ireland)

  • Siobhan McQuaid

    (Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland)

  • Mary-Lee Rhodes

    (Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland)

  • Marcus J. Collier

    (School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland)

  • Francesco Pilla

    (School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NBS) to address societal challenges have been widely recognised and adopted by governments in climate change and biodiversity strategies. Nevertheless, significant barriers exist for the necessary large-scale implementation of NBS and market development is still in its infancy. This study presents findings from a systematic review of literature and a survey on private sector agents in the planning and implementation of NBS, with the aim to identify them. In this study, we propose a typology for organisations delivering NBS and a categorisation of their economic activities. The most common organisation type found is nature-based enterprise which offers products or services where nature is a core element and used sustainably and engages in economic activity. Moreover, eleven categories of economic activities were identified, ranging from ecosystem restoration, living green roofs, and eco-tourism to smart technologies and community engagement for NBS. Nature-based enterprises contribute to a diverse range of sustainable economic activities, that standard industry classification systems do not adequately account for. The recognition of the value created by these activities is essential for designing effective policy support measures, and for market development of the sector and its potential to facilitate the wider adoption of NBS.

Suggested Citation

  • Esmee D. Kooijman & Siobhan McQuaid & Mary-Lee Rhodes & Marcus J. Collier & Francesco Pilla, 2021. "Innovating with Nature: From Nature-Based Solutions to Nature-Based Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:3:p:1263-:d:486954
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    2. Cristina S. C. Calheiros & Alexandros I. Stefanakis, 2021. "Green Roofs Towards Circular and Resilient Cities," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    3. Elena Di Pirro & Rúben Mendes & Teresa Fidélis & Lorenzo Sallustio & Peter Roebeling & Marco Marchetti & Bruno Lasserre, 2022. "The Embeddedness of Nature-Based Solutions in the Recovery and Resilience Plans as Multifunctional Approaches to Foster the Climate Transition: The Cases of Italy and Portugal," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-19, August.
    4. Elena Di Pirro & Peter Roebeling & Lorenzo Sallustio & Marco Marchetti & Bruno Lasserre, 2023. "Cost-Effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions under Different Implementation Scenarios: A National Perspective for Italian Urban Areas," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-19, March.
    5. Soini, Katriina & Anderson, Carl Cyrus & Polderman, Annemarie & Teresa, Carlone & Sisay, Debele & Kumar, Prashant & Mannocchi, Matteo & Mickovski, Slobodan & Panga, Depy & Pilla, Francesco & Preuschma, 2023. "Context matters: Co-creating nature-based solutions in rural living labs," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    6. White, Cian & Collier, Marcus J. & Stout, Jane C., 2021. "Using ecosystem services to measure the degree to which a solution is nature-based," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 50(C).
    7. Siobhan McQuaid & Esmee D. Kooijman & Mary-Lee Rhodes & Sheila M. Cannon, 2021. "Innovating with Nature: Factors Influencing the Success of Nature-Based Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-25, November.
    8. Ian Mell & Sarah Clement & Fearghus O’Sullivan, 2023. "Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in City Planning: Examining Scale, Focus, and Visibility as Drivers of Intervention Success in Liverpool, UK," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-23, July.
    9. Paola Piazza & Nadia Ursino, 2023. "On the Reason to Implement a Sustainable Urban Drainage Nature-Based Solution to Decrease Flood Threat: A Survey," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-13, June.
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