In collaboration with the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL), PHYSI conducted a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the Urban Nature Atlas (UNA). By examining 1,000 European cases, the project provided data-driven insights into how Nature-based Solutions (NBS) deliver simultaneous advantages for cities.
Project Objectives
The analysis focused on how European NBS initiatives address core societal challenges, specifically identifying synergies between biodiversity, climate adaptation, public health, and economic development. The mission was to define how these “multiple benefits” are realized and identify the governance models that drive success.
Our Impact
PHYSI managed the full analytical framework, from initial scoping to final reporting. Key contributions included:
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Statistical Analysis: Created and compared 35 distinct project samples from the UNA to identify implementation patterns and optimal goal combinations.
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Driver & Governance Assessment: Analyzed the financial structures, actor networks, and policy drivers (local, national, and EU) behind 1,000 initiatives.
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High-Impact Case Identification: Isolated “best practice” cases—projects delivering benefits in all four focus areas—to extract transferable lessons for planners.
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Social Impact Integration: Integrated specific metrics for social well-being and justice, ensuring the research captured the human dimension of urban nature.