Economic rationale of NBS in freshwater ecosystems

This study contributes to the growing evidence base that investments in Nature-based Solutions for freshwater management are economically the preferred choice when taking into account all benefits humans derive from healthy, well-functioning rivers and wetlands, going clearly beyond the monetary benefits of single-use approaches typically considered in grey infrastructure analysis.

This study features three key findings: 

1. Nature-based Solutions for freshwater management can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation while reversing biodiversity decline.
2. Nature based Solutions for freshwater management create employment opportunities on the short and medium term and stimulates economic sustainable development in the long term.
3. Nature-based Solutions for freshwater management are efficient from a socioeconomic point of view when taking into account all benefits from rivers and wetlands.