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Co-benefits of nature-based solutions exceed the costs of implementation

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  • Alberto González-García

    (IGE - Institut des Géosciences de l’Environnement - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - INSU - CNRS - Institut national des sciences de l'Univers - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Fédération OSUG - Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - Grenoble INP - Institut polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

  • Ignacio Palomo

    (IGE - Institut des Géosciences de l’Environnement - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - INSU - CNRS - Institut national des sciences de l'Univers - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Fédération OSUG - Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - Grenoble INP - Institut polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

  • Anna Codemo

    (UNITN - Università degli Studi di Trento = University of Trento)

  • Mirco Rodeghiero

    (UNITN - Università degli Studi di Trento = University of Trento)

  • Titouan Dubo

    (LECA - Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Fédération OSUG - Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

  • Améline Vallet

    (CIRED - Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AgroParisTech - ENPC - École nationale des ponts et chaussées - Université Paris-Saclay - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, ESE - Ecologie Systématique et Evolution - AgroParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Sandra Lavorel

    (LECA - Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Fédération OSUG - Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

Abstract

Nature-based solutions offer multiple benefits for ecosystems and societies, supporting their inclusion in policy and practice. This study contributes to closing the gap in quantifying the multiple outcomes of nature-based solutions by assessing 83 nature-based solutions in the Alps. We assessed biodiversity co-benefits and the monetary value of four ecosystem services (heatwave mitigation, flood regulation, climate regulation, and landslide protection) provided by these nature-based solutions to their respective beneficiaries. Forest nature-based solutions showed high values for the four ecosystem services, river and wetland nature-based solutions showed high values for biodiversity, and urban nature-based solutions contributed a lower biodiversity value but were highly cost effective, benefiting a larger population. We estimated a 2.8:1 return on investment benefiting a total of 91,324 persons. We highlight the need for integrating biodiversity and multiple ecosystem services for future nature-based solutions funding and implementation, together with their role to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto González-García & Ignacio Palomo & Anna Codemo & Mirco Rodeghiero & Titouan Dubo & Améline Vallet & Sandra Lavorel, 2025. "Co-benefits of nature-based solutions exceed the costs of implementation," Post-Print hal-04963043, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04963043
    DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100336
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04963043v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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