Just Transformations: Sectoral Stakeholder Engagement, Processes and Perceptions of Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions (09/2024)

Key messages:

1. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer the potential to address societal, economic and environmental challenges: MERLIN emphasises NbS that go beyond traditional conservation-focused restoration by integrating solutions that enhance biodiversity, support climate adaptation, contribute to societal well-being, while also addressing new economic opportunities.
   
   
2. A just transformation is essential for the equitable distribution of NbS benefits: Deliverable 4.2 applied a justice framework, encompassing representation, involvement, and equitable distribution to explore pathways for more just and equitable development of NbS. A just transformation refers to a systemic change that emphasises equity, ensuring all stakeholders are included and that the outcomes are fairly distributed.
   
   
3. Identifying win-win scenarios aligning economic interests with ecosystem restoration: MERLIN engaged six economic sectors - agriculture, hydropower, insurance, inland navigation, peat extraction, and water supply and sanitation – through roundtables, workshops, and interviews, forming sectoral Communities of Practice (CoPs) to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration. The CoPs were designed to create ownership, driving the mainstreaming of NbS across sectors.
   
   
4. Effective networks were built through persistence and support: Successful CoPs were driven by strong partnerships and persistence, while other sectors faced difficulties in finding common ground due to conflicts of interest, particularly between public goods (for free) and private goods (for profit). Long-term engagement, in-person workshops, clear goals and trust are crucial for sustaining momentum.
   
   
5. Sectoral perceptions of NbS evolved over time, but challenges remain: While the six sectors demonstrated increased openness to NbS, challenges persisted, particularly regarding the financial feasibility of large-scale implementation of NbS projects and ongoing conceptual confusion, especially in defining and measuring the effectiveness of NbS. Demonstrating tangible benefits and developing standard metrics is needed for broader support.
   
   
6. Representation and inclusion are critical for a just NbS transformation: The CoPs engaged influential stakeholders but lacked local landowners and communities, challenging full representative justice. However, the focus on EU-level engagement was essential for addressing higher level barriers, including clearer regulatory guidance and other institutional sector-specific challenges.
   
   
7. Balancing diverse views and avoiding power imbalances: Stakeholders expressed varied and sometimes conflicting views on NbS. The process effectively recognised diverse perspectives, but it was challenging to address power imbalances, particularly between private sector stakeholders and environmental advocates. Conflict resolution will be critical for balancing competing interests.
   
   
8. Distributional justice is essential for just transformations: Stakeholders raised concerns about who should bear the costs of NbS and who benefits from its implementation. Addressing these concerns through clear incentives and equitable responsibility-sharing will be crucial for mainstreaming NbS.