Ruimte & Maatschappij

Abstract

Internationally, nature based solutions are being promoted to address climate change in an integrated, systemic and sustainable manner. Despite the broad benefits of NBS, their implementation has been slow, partly due to the limited availability of funding. As public funds are often scarce, private funding is seen as a promising opportunity to support climate adaptation through NBS. Recent research focuses on developing, testing and evaluating financing instruments and business models for NBS. The challenge lies in convincing private investors of both the tangible and intangible value of NBS while ensuring sustainability and social equity. This study highlights the importance of linking spatial planning and innovative financing mechanisms for the effective implementation of NBS. The findings from the four living labs show that a place-based, multi-scale approach and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential, while bridging the gap between financial and spatial planning worlds can enhance the feasibility and social impact of NBS.

Keywords: Nature-based solutions, climate finance, business case, sustainable transition

How to Cite:

Van Damme, S., Op de Beeck, T., Vandendriessche, J., Van Esbroeck, C., Van Limpt, L., De Vadder, S., Crabbé, A. & Coppens, T., (2025) “Who will pay for it? Spatial planning and innovative financing: a tandem for nature-based solutions.”, Ruimte & Maatschappij 17(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/renm.91701