Supporting Nature-Based Solutions via Nature-Based Thinking

This research article examines the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Nature-Based Thinking (NBT) in urban planning across European and Latin American cities. It discusses the challenges and critiques associated with NBS, particularly their effectiveness in addressing urgent societal issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The authors argue for a more inclusive and holistic approach that emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature and the importance of long-term perspectives in urban governance. Through a reflective research process involving a symposium and workshops, the paper highlights the need for new organizational structures and governance paradigms that facilitate cross-sectoral coordination and stakeholder engagement. The findings suggest that NBT can enhance the application of NBS by fostering a deeper understanding of human-nature relations and promoting cultural-structural changes necessary for sustainable urban development. The article ultimately calls for a shift in how cities conceptualize and implement nature-based interventions to better meet contemporary urban challenges.