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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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudia de Luca & Sandra Naumann & McKenna Davis & Simona Tondelli, 2021. "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," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:5021-:d:546594
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    2. Tao Luo & Yanhan Chen & Xiaojing Chen & Shaoping Hong, 2025. "From Global to Local: Implementing Nature-Based Solutions in Cultural Value Protection for Sustainable Village Development," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-19, May.
    3. Anna Biasin & Mauro Masiero & Giulia Amato & Davide Pettenella, 2023. "Nature-Based Solutions Modeling and Cost-Benefit Analysis to Face Climate Change Risks in an Urban Area: The Case of Turin (Italy)," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-32, January.
    4. Carmela Mariano & Francesca Rossi, 2023. "RivEr/Generation_LAB-Linking Resilience with Inclusiveness in the Urban-Built Environment of Rome," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-22, March.
    5. Abubakar Shafiq & Mohammed Duhis & Aneela Kousar & Mugeesa Rubab, 2024. "Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Policies in Urban Environments," Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE), Research Foundation for Humanity (RFH), vol. 13(3), pages 345-353.
    6. Milena V. Sokolova & Brian D. Fath & Umberto Grande & Elvira Buonocore & Pier Paolo Franzese, 2024. "The Role of Green Infrastructure in Providing Urban Ecosystem Services: Insights from a Bibliometric Perspective," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-20, October.

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