Nature‐Based Solutions for Europe's Sustainable Development

• Published in: Conservation letters Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 121 - 124
• Main Authors: Maes, Joachim, Jacobs, Sander
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Biodiversity; biodiversity policy; Clean technology; Competitiveness; Costs; econometric models; Economic growth; Economic models; Economics; ecosystem services; Ecosystems; employment; Energy; Environmental economics; Europe; European Union; Farms; Food; Growth models; Innovations; Job creation; Natural environment; Natural resources; Nature‐based solutions; Pest control; Productivity; research policy; Subsidies; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Sustainable use; technology; Europe; ANE, Europe
• ISSN: 1755-263X; 1755-263X
• DOI: 10.1111/conl.12216

Pursuing economic targets of job creation, growth, and innovation while tackling global environmental challenges, has long been seen as impossible. However, any long‐term economic competitiveness and security depends on the extent to which natural resources are used sustainably. Therefore, the European Union is investing in nature‐based solutions to achieve this double goal. The difference between the prevailing economic model and a sustainable resource use has long seemed insurmountable. While many debates are paralyzed or radicalized, nature‐based solutions could offer a transition path with realistic, incremental steps toward a sustainable economy as envisaged by the EU Horizon 2020 vision. This paper outlines the basics of a nature‐based scenario for Europe, and proposes criteria to focus, guide, and evaluate the implementation of nature‐based solutions, geared at production of wide socioeconomic benefits, provision of jobs, and low‐carbon technology innovations.