The GreenCityLabHuế project introduces this series of factsheets as a comprehensive introduction into nature-based solutions. Each instalment explores selected key aspects of NbS, ranging from their potential benefits to practical guidance into their collaborative planning and implementation. Aimed at policymakers, practitioners, and communities, these factsheets want to inspire effective and sustainable action towards climate resilience.
This factsheet introduces the co-creation of nature-based solutions as vital for strengthening climate resilience in urban areas. Co-creation is a collaborative, inclusive process that brings together citizens, policymakers, businesses, practitioners, and academics to design and implement NbS that reflect local needs, preferences, and cultural contexts. The factsheet outlines key steps in the co-creation journey, from goal-setting and stakeholder engagement to the collaborative ideation and planning of NbS. It emphasizes the importance of early involvement of authorities, transparent communication, and trust-building to ensure long-term success. By promoting multifunctional design and equitable benefit-sharing, co-created NbS can address environmental, social, and economic challenges in a holistic way. Download the factsheet.
The factsheet references the following materials that we would like to suggest as further reading.
Adams, C., Frantzeskaki, N., Moglia, M., 2023. Mainstreaming nature-based solutions in cities: A sys-tematic literature review and a proposal for facilitating urban transitions. Land Use Policy, 130, 106661.
Breukers, S., Jeuken, Y., 2017. Step-by-step guide for co-production and co creation of Nature-based Solutions. NATURE4CITIES, H2020 grant no. 730468.
European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Ferreira, I., Lupp, G., Mahmoud, I., Eds, 2023. Guidelines for Co-creation and Co-governance of Nature-Based Solutions: Insights from EU-funded projects. Publications Office of the European Union, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/157060.
Fabricius, C., Currie, B., 2015. Adaptive Co-Management. In: Allen, C., Garmestani, A. (eds), Adaptive Management of Social-Ecological Systems. Dordrecht, pp. 147-179.
Haddad, C.R., Nakić, V., Bergek, A., Hellsmark, H., 2022. Transformative innovation policy: A systematic review. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 43, 14-40.
Morello, E., Mahmoud, I., Gulyurtlu, S., 2018. CLEVER Cities Guidance on co-creating nature-based solutions: PART II – Running CLEVER Action Labs in 16 Steps. Deliverable 1.1.6, CLEVER Cities, H2020 grant no. 776604.
Morello, E., Mahmoud, I., Gulyurtlu, S., Boelman, V., Davis, H., 2018. CLEVER Cities Guidance on co-creating nature-based solutions: PART I – Defining the co-creation framework and stakeholder engagement. Deliverable 1.1.5, CLEVER Cities, H2020 grant no. 776604.
OECD, 2020. What Does “Inclusive Governance” Mean? Clarifying Theory And Practice. OECD Devel-opment Policy Papers, 27, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/960f5a97-en.
Scheuer, S., Jache, J., Stolpe, F., Weinhold, T., Hoang, T.B.M., Rüthers, M., Nguyen, N.T., Nguyen, N.Y.N. (2025). Green City Vision Hue – Promoting nature-based solutions for urban planning. The case of Hue City, Central Vietnam. BMFTR funded project GreenCityLabHuế, FKZ 01LE1910A1/ FKZ 01LE1910B1.
