Platform for nature-based solutions, resources, projects, best practices (NetworkNature)

Nature based Solutions (NBS) pursue several goals and have at the same time ecological, economic, social and possibly cultural advantages. The aim of the NetworkNature project was to expand the NBS community, advance the implementation and expansion of nature-based solutions, and offer resources, projects, best practices and tools under one roof.

The focus was on:

• Improving the NBS evidence base through knowledge sharing, mapping the research and innovation landscape and identifying knowledge gaps.
• Upscaling the use of NBS through market analysis, consultancy and capacity building, as well as creating new European NBS regional hubs and networking with practitioners, companies, investors and policy makers
• Awareness raising involving existing stakeholders and outreach to new target groups as well as training for younger generations

NetworkNature established an online platform with the latest research, information, best practices, events and resources. With a "match-making" service, the project partners offer products and services to companies and researchers.

Results

The NetworkNature project partners celebrated its conclusion with a conference in Brussels in June 2023. As one of the results, the Steinbeis Europa Zentrum published a Business information package for companies on nature-based solutions. It introduces the different concepts of nature-based solutions and companies, presents business models and two examples of successful companies and inspires business opportunities specifically adapted for nature-based solutions. Finally, it provides recommendations and tips on funding opportunities, networks, policy and legislation.

As a project partner, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum was responsible for the exploitation of project results, advice on IPR, support for Nature-Based Enterprise and Business Models and Finance. It addressed European SMEs in particular, offered market analyses and supported the development of new business models.  In order to stimulate processes of co-creation and internationalisation, training courses have been designed and interested companies were brought into contact with investors.

As a project result Steinbeis Europa Zentrum published a business information package for nature based solutions, including business opportunities and recommendations where to start: Nature-based solutions Business information package | NetworkNature

Further information:

• Funding: European Commission, Horizon 2020
• Funding budget for all partners: 2,2 Mio. EUR
• Participating countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland
• Project duration: 06/2020 – 07/2023