# Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Areas: A European Analysis
## 2 Sustainability in the Built Environment
### Nature-Based Solutions
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt}} \hline \hline
**Sectors and Areas** & **NbS Options** & **NbS Benefits** & **Climate Impacts** \\ \hline \multirow{8}{*}{Water Management} & Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) & Regulation of the water cycle & \\  & Renaturalization of rivers, streams, and flood plains & Reduction in floods & \\  & & Improvement of the soil quality, stability, and erosion & \\  & Restoration of ponds and lakes & Biodiversity & \\  & River buffers (vegetation strips) & Regeneration of degraded areas & \\  & Water-sensitive forest management & Regeneration and aesthetic appreciation & \\  & Controlled flood plains & Health and quality of life & \\ \hline \multirow{8}{*}{Forests and Forestry} & \multirow{8}{*}{Protection and restoration of forests} & Regulation of the water cycle & \\  & & Reduction in floods & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & Improvement of the water quality & \\ \cline{1-1}  & Protection and restoration of forests & Improvement of the soil quality, stability, and erosion & \\ \cline{1-1}  & Sustainable forest management & Improvement of the soil quality, stability, and erosion & \\ \cline{1-1}  & Integration of trees/forests into the landscape & Biodiversity & Floods \\ \cline{1-1}  & Wetlands & Carbon sequestration & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & Control of disease and pests & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & Recreation and aesthetic appreciation & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & Health and quality of life & \\ \hline \multirow{8}{*}{Agriculture} & \multirow{8}{*}{Improved soil and water management} & Retention of water and soil retention & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & Mitigation of heat stress & \\ \cline{1-1}  & Crop-type diversification and rotation & Biodiversity & \\ \cline{1-1}  & Agroforestry & Carbon sequestration & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & Control of disease and pests & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & Soil fertility & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Benefits of nature-based solutions to address climate risks in specific sectors and thematic areas. The EU's ambition is to establish Europe as an inspiration and world leader in markets for NbS through research (development of a technical and scientific evidence base for NbS) and innovation (development of methods and identification of innovative best-practice approaches) [29; 35]. The main objective in the field of implementation is to improve the visibility of NbS at all stages, developing demonstration sites and experiences (practical examples on a large scale) to ensure and share the relevance of these initiatives in the current market [29]. The EC has made significant efforts in promoting and disseminating NbS knowledge, experiences, and results [35] through publications, programs, and a network of NbS projects funded by Horizon 2020 (H2020 Research and Innovation Program, 2014-2020) [36]. Continuing the investments and work carried out in recent years, the EU recently launched \"HORIZON Europe\" (2021-2027). This is the EU's flagship research and innovation funding program (budget of EUR 95.5 billion) [37], which promises to prepare Europe to tackle climate disruption, accelerate the transition to a healthy and prosperous future, and apply solutions for resilience that will lead to the transformation of society. It also aims to accelerate soil and food health, as well as climate-neutral smart cities by 2030, among other mission areas [38]. The HORIZON Europe program emphasizes the acceptance and integration of NbS initiatives in public and private decision making [35].