Nature-based solutions and their governance structures in the Alpine region

Image caption:

Sponge city element: the opening up of the Albisrieder Dorfbach in Zurich has significantly improved the quality of life in the urban area. © Stefan Hasler, sponge-city.info

The Alpine region is particularly sensitive to the effects of the climate crisis. Changes in precipitation, temperature and runoff not only influence ecological functions, but also economic and settlement opportunities in the Alps and neighbouring areas. Nature-based solutions offer important approaches for mitigating and adapting to climate change. According to the definition of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), these are measures for the protection and sustainable use of ecosystems that overcome challenges and promote human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity. NbS are based on ecosystem services such as mitigating the effects of natural hazards, binding CO2, shading areas or retaining rainwater. At the same time, they promote biodiversity and soil fertility.

In order to use nature-based solutions effectively, a new perspective is required that recognises the importance of ecosystem services and integrates them into decision-making processes. This requires the development of appropriate governance mechanisms at all levels. As NbS often have cross-sectoral and cross-border connections, the Alpine Convention as a transnational agreement is particularly relevant and suitable for their establishment in the Alpine region. The Alpine Climate Council has therefore made NbS a priority topic.

The report entitled “Nature-based solutions in the Alpine region” analyses eight selected examples from the Alpine countries. these implementations are compared in different sectors with contributions to tackling climate change and the socio-economic benefits for society then presented. A further aim is to analyse and formulate the necessary changes in governance mechanisms in order to promote and implement nature-based solutions as alternatives to technical approaches.

Duration
April 2024 until end-January 2025

Project partners
Institute for Environmental Planning and Spatial Development, www.ifuplan.de (project management)
CIPRA International, www.cipra.org  

Project funding
Federal Environment Agency, Germany

Contact
Magdalena Holzer, [email protected]
Wolfgang Pfefferkorn, [email protected]