Three funded Biodiversa+ projects aim to improve the success of nature-based solutions around the world
Researchers receive funding for research into nature-based solutions for biodiversity, human well-being and transformative change through the European programme Biodiversa+. Three out of a total of ten projects with Dutch participation were awarded to researchers from Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences.
Restoring biodiversity is a key objective of the European Union. The third call of the EU’s Biodiversa+ program specifically seeks to improve understanding of the tipping points, trade-offs, and mechanisms that impact the success of Nature-Based Solutions so that they can better contribute to nature conservation, human well-being and a more sustainable society.
Aquatic and Riparian Ecosystems: Biodiversity and Economic Service Transformations from Nature-based Solutions (ARE BEST NbS)
For the first time, we're using a mental model approach to explore how stakeholders perceive nature-based solutions. This innovative method will uncover novel insights into the differences and potential misunderstandings among stakeholders and help foster better collaboration that can bring these solutions to life
ARE BEST NbS explores how stakeholder perspectives shape the implementation of Nature-based Solutions for biodiversity conservation. It investigates how stakeholders’ lived experiences influence their values and decision-making processes regarding biodiversity, aiming to improve NbS evaluation and engagement strategies. The project uses transdisciplinary methods from the humanities, social, and natural sciences and creates mental models that map stakeholder perceptions, uncovering discrepancies to enhance engagement. The project studies past NbS investments to see how they affected ecosystems and people’s values. It also uses innovative methods to better understand how changes in society, wealth, or the environment influence the benefits NbS provide. By including uncertainty in its analysis, ARE BEST NbS offers practical ways to handle risks and make smarter decisions. Emphasizing co-design, immersive art, and storytelling, the project fosters improved practices for incorporating ecosystem services into frameworks, promoting open communication, and understanding trade-offs and synergies between NbS and human well-being.
ARE BEST NbS is a collaboration between Utrecht University researchers Karlijn van den Broek (Faculty of Geosciences), Sander Thomaes (Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences) and Marie-Jeanne Schiffelers (Faculty of Law, Governance and Economics) and researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, University of Minho in Portugal, Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design in Greece, and the University of Stavanger in Norway. It is the result of a collaboration initiated through the Pathways to Sustainability Seed Fund.
Biosphere defenders leveraging legal and governance tools for just sustainability transformations (DEFENDBIO)
We will examine how female biosphere defenders in Colombia and Ecuador harness traditional knowledge, non-conventional nature-based solutions, and "living law" to protect their territories, overcome legal barriers and align justice systems with socio-ecological transformative pathways
DEFEND-BIO explores how biosphere defenders, who protect ecosystems and biodiversity, use legal and governance tools to promote land protection. The project investigates the role of these defenders in implementing non-conventional nature-based solutions and how Latin American, Caribbean, and European legal frameworks can support their efforts. By analyzing the effectiveness of laws and policies, DEFEND-BIO aims to create enabling environments for biosphere defenders to drive socio-ecological transformations. The project’s central question is how biosphere defenders can enhance the transnational implementation of laws and policies for biodiversity protection. The research combines expertise in law, policy, human geography, and development to provide tools that support both regions in achieving the right to a healthy environment.
DEFENDBIO researchers at Utrecht University are Diana Vela Almeida and Tatiana Acevedo Guerrero. The project is a collaboration between Utrecht University, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) at the University of Bern, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
Wilding as a nature-based opportunity for grassy ecosystems under diverse land tenure systems
This project uniquely co-creates research with Ecochamps—young community members working with a local NGO in natural resource management and research. Through this collaboration, we combine citizen science with societal impact, creating training and job opportunities for youth in South Africa
This project explores wilding, a nature-based solution (NbS) to restore grassy ecosystems, which cover 40% of the Earth's land but are often overlooked in NbS research. Grassy ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, water cycles, and livelihoods, yet they face significant threats from land use changes like afforestation and agriculture. The research focuses on developing wilding to enhance ecosystem functioning, mitigate climate change, and improve biodiversity and water availability. Through a participatory approach, it aims to evaluate the synergies and trade-offs of wilding across diverse biophysical and socio-economic contexts. The project will be implemented in a 5,000 km² area in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, working with local communities and stakeholders. By building on existing wilding initiatives, it aims to create guidelines and blueprints for wilding as an NbS, with the potential to scale and inspire similar initiatives globally.
The project builds on earlier community-engaged research on the Water-Energy-Food nexus in South Africa led by Marjanneke Vijge and is a collaboration with Faculty of Geosciences researchers Mariska te Beest, Joris Cromsigt, Floor van der Hilst and Ine Dorrresteijn and researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Sweden, the University of Cape Town, the University of Fort Hare and Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, as well as two South African NGOs, Conservation South Africa and Environmental and Rural Solutions. The overall project is led by Cromsigt, whose position as a researcher at SLU, Utrecht University and Nelson Mandela University ensures close collaboration between the research carried out in three countries.