Harnessing the power of collaboration for nature-based solutions: New ideas and insights for local decision-makers

Local decision-makers are tasked with shaping the future of their cities to foster human well-being and boost resilience and local economies. Yet they also face several critical social and environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, or environmental justice. Nature-based solutions are one important tool available to help shape urban futures and tackle these and other challenges. This briefing paper presents practical examples and inspiration for local decision-makers on utilizing co-governance approaches to promote participatory processes and collaborative creation of nature-based solutions. It explores how to fully harness the potential of these solutions in their design, implementation, and maintenance. Options for overcoming institutional challenges in decision-making around nature-based solutions are presented, and the value of co-governance is demonstrated on the basis of city experiences, aiming to inspire other cities to try more inclusive governance approaches.