Public Preferences for Nature-Based Solutions: Differences according to exposure in 6 European countries

Nature-based solutions are part of climate adaptation plans in many European cities. In recent years much research has been conducted supporting the effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions, however previous studies also have shown that multifaceted aims are difficult to achieve. Potential environmental benefits have to be balanced with related costs and spatial requirements environmental. These trade-offs underline that planning urban nature-based solutions involves choices. Therefore, this research builds upon a discrete choice experiment (DCE) which was conducted in 6 European countries focusing on cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants. The presented study, which was based on research as part of the UPSURGE project (Horizon 2020), sought to understand European urban residents’ preferences for urban nature-based solutions. The survey presented trade-offs such as the type of green area, the effectiveness in terms of air-quality, temperature reduction and biodiversity as well as monetary and time payments to participants. In total 5,990 residents from Greece, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, the UK and the Netherlands participated in the survey. 

The results show generally similar patterns of preferences across citizens from all 6 countries regarding type of nature-based solutions and their effectiveness. Yet, different exposures to the impacts of climate change are reflected in the preference for effectiveness of the green areas for instance regarding temperature reduction. Furthermore, differences in preferences regarding the willingness to pay, biodiversity enhancement and participation are evident between the countries. Transferring the obtained results in a decision support tool, allows for the configurations of nature-based solutions which will be accepted by the majority of population in European countries. 

Overall, the results emphasize the need for customization of nature-based solutions to the local context and importance of communicating the expected benefits. Incorporating the results in public participation processes, enables the definition of priorities and the design governance mechanism to guarantee long-term success of nature-based solutions.