AIM-NBS
Advancing Impact Measurement of Nature-Based Solutions
AIM-NBS aims to gain valuable insights into the successes and existing challenges in measuring the impact of nature-based solutions through a systematic survey of EU-funded projects. The project combines academic expertise and practical experience to develop innovative approaches for a consistent and evidence-based impact evaluation, with the goal of generating actionable recommendations for policy and practice.
Background and Motivation
The growing importance of nature-based solutions (NBS) in the context of climate adaptation, biodiversity promotion, and sustainable urban development makes meaningful impact assessment indispensable. However, existing approaches to evaluating NBS effects are heterogeneous and often do not fully meet practical challenges. AIM-NBS addresses this gap by systematically collecting data and experiences from various EU projects. The results aim to identify the limitations of current evaluation methods and which best practices are already successfully implemented. This empowers decision-makers, project coordinators, and researchers to design future initiatives more effectively.
Project Objectives
Data and Knowledge Collection:
Within a three-phase approach, a comprehensive survey of EU-funded NBS projects is conducted. Challenges, successes, and barriers to impact evaluation are identified.
Analysis and Consensus Building:
The collected data are analysed in detail and assessed collaboratively in a moderated workshop with participating experts. This aims to achieve a unified consensus on key areas for improvement and success factors.
Dissemination and Sustainable Impact:
Concrete outputs include an open database as an organised repository of challenges and best practices, as well as a well-founded policy brief. Additionally, the acquired knowledge will be published in an open-access scientific paper. In the longer term, a KPI selection tool will be developed to serve as a practical instrument for further evaluation of nature-based solutions.
Project Lead: Dr. Marcel Cardinali
Project Staff: N.N.
Partners:
- Stuart Connop, UEL
- Chiara Baldacchini, University of Tuscia
- Carolina Cantergiani, Tecnalia
- Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo, Neurolandscapes
Duration: June 2025 – November 2025 (tbc)
Funding: Horizon Europe (Network Nature)