The European Commission published a new Handbook 'Evaluating the Impact of Nature-based Solutions' coordinated by the NetworkNature Nature-based Solutions (NBS) Task Force 2: Impact Evaluation Framework. The handbook was developed based on case studies from Horizon2020 funded projects such as proGIreg, together with the European Environment Agency and the EU Joint Research Centre contributing to creating robust indicators.

The handbook enables policy makers and practitioners choose the most suitable methods for assessing impacts of NBS, and through the examples of the case-studies, anticipate challenges and opportunities with specific NBS. Specifically the handbook outlines indicators and methodology to help assess NBS impacts  across 12 societal challenge areas: Climate Resilience; Water Management; Natural and Climate Hazards; Green Space Management; Biodiversity; Air Quality; Place Regeneration; Knowledge and Social Capacity Building for Sustainable Urban Transformation; Participatory Planning and Governance; Social Justice and Social Cohesion; Health and Well-being; New Economic Opportunities and Green Jobs.

proGireg contributed to the handbook with its qualitative and quantitative impact assessment experiences. Within the project impact is assessed taking into account various domains: social aspects, health, environment and economy. The benefits of proGIreg NBS are evaluated at both district and smaller scale NBS 'immediate surroundings' level. Stakeholder involvement is a key component of proGIreg, and is not forgotten in impact assessment - a wide variety of stakeholders from the living labs are involved in the monitoring activities. Further they are consulted in the planning stages to help choose indicators to monitor to ensure the social signifigance and local relevance of the NBS impacts.

Read more about proGIreg impact assessment work and find the handbook here.