Nature-based Solutions in the Mediterranean Region: A look back and moving forward

Urbanization and agricultural intensification have an important impact on biodiversity around the Mediterranean basin. One response has been the take-up of the concept of Nature-based Solutions, notably promoted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Although the term is widely employed, there is great discrepancy in the definition, use, and intended biodiversity and/or societal impacts. We conducted a literature review on the state of the art of Nature-based Solutions in the Mediterranean basin, identifying the obstacles concerning their implementation and highlighting recommendations for overcoming these difficulties. The study analysed over 200 documents including scientific articles, guidelines and policy documents. Recommendations were grouped into categories (Governance, Funding, Integration, and Technical aspects) and key messages were identified. The results showed that interdisciplinarity and participative practices are essential and that systematic and political changes are needed. Selecting and adapting Nature-based Solutions to fit specific social and ecological contexts and responding to trade-offs and inequalities were highlighted as prerequisites. Public communication and funding schemes were also important levers for improving implementation. The results show that although Mediterranean-specific NbS remain an emerging topic in scientific literature, a broad range of other types of documents, including international academic articles, can be useful for local practitioners.