Nature in nature-based solutions in urban planning

Abstract

There has been a surge of academic studies on nature-based solutions in the last decades, reflecting the growing view that nature can help us address the climate and the ecological crises. While definitions of nature-based solutions are commonly referenced in the literature, “nature” itself is rarely defined. This article investigates the ideas of nature in nature-based solutions discourses in urban planning and argues that unpacking their connotations is crucial for a more precise and locally sensitive development of planning for humans and more-than-humans. The findings reveal that “nature” is often used abstractly or through proxies such as ecosystem services or biodiversity. Although the place-specificity of NBS is recognized in the literature, local definitions and values of nature are not sufficiently included, which can compromise the long-term uptake of NBS. The study further highlights the growing recognition of the plural values of nature and the potential for ecocentric approaches to challenge the anthropocentric underpinnings of NBS. The article concludes that unpacking the often-diverging meanings of nature is paramount for a more conscious development of NBS research in planning theory and practice, enhancing the effectiveness, inclusivity, and environmental justice of NBS initiatives and their effective mainstreaming. By embracing plural definitions of nature and fostering a deeper understanding of human-nature relationships, NBS research can support more sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban futures.