H2020 projects and EU research needs for nature-based adaptation solutions

This paper investigates the documentation produced by 21 Horizon 2020 (H2020) projects for the use of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) for climate change adaptation (NBaS). Accordingly, an updated state-of-the-art on current knowledge and its limits is presented. Findings are then capitalized on for highlighting research needs. The main objective of this study is to inform future orientations on NBaS research. Accordingly, it can be considered as an effort to complement the 2021 European strategy for climate change adaptation, under which NBaS is listed as one of the three cross-cutting priorities. The obtained results reflect actual outcomes from completed projects, while ongoing projects provided a substantial amount of relevant knowledge. From the exhaustive knowledge-research need inventory, one of the most significant identified gaps was the need for developing further the fundamental scientific basis behind these solutions, as the concept favors its practical nature and places less emphasis on its scientific counterpart.

Automated summary

This paper examines the documentation produced by 21 Horizon 2020 projects on the use of Nature Based Solutions for climate change adaptation. It provides an updated state-of-the-art on current knowledge and identifies research needs. The main objective is to inform future research directions on Nature Based Solutions for climate change adaptation, complementing the 2021 European strategy. The findings reflect outcomes from completed projects and highlight the importance of further developing the scientific basis behind these solutions.