View in EDS

Assessing conditions for NbS transformation in a mediterranean urban context: policy expectations, emerging networks, and collaborative capacity in Madrid.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Assessing conditions for NbS transformation in a mediterranean urban context: policy expectations, emerging networks, and collaborative capacity in Madrid.
Authors: Larrinaga López, Jon1 (AUTHOR) jlarrl00@estudiantes.unileon.es, Barker, Adam1 (AUTHOR) adam.barker@manchester.ac.uk, Dockerill, Bertie1 (AUTHOR) bertie.dockerill@manchester.ac.uk
Source: Journal of Environmental Management. Dec2025, Vol. 396, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Ecosystem services, Sustainable urban development, Stakeholder analysis, Sustainable development, Cities & towns, Collective efficacy, Green infrastructure
Geographic Terms: Madrid (Spain), Mediterranean Sea
Abstract: Climate change and urban development processes have undermined the ecological fabric of urban areas and inhabitants' quality of life. In response, scholars have highlighted the need for nature-centred strategies and actions that support urban resilience. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can support the transition to more sustainable cities. Through focusing on innovative and replicable nature conservation and development interventions, NbS offer significant transformative potential. Existent research reveals that NbS applications are often limited by poor knowledge and understanding, lack of skills, and low levels of multisector engagement. Certain Mediterranean cities have experienced greater difficulties in addressing these issues than their north European counterparts. To assess the necessary conditions for NbS transformation within a Mediterranean context, this paper explores Madrid through a pilot study based on twelve semi-structured interviews with non-public professionals. Madrid was selected due to its strategic-level commitment to NbS and emerging experiences of preliminary practice. Findings were analysed using a typological framework focused on both barriers and enablers of change drawn from literature on NbS transition. Our findings revealed barriers linked to knowledge and skills (competing and fragmented understandings of NbS), as well as silo-thinking and path dependency (limited policy awareness, poor levels of cross-collaboration and internal power struggles). We conclude that enabling mechanisms associated with improved knowledge, skills and communication could potentially strengthen cities' collaborative capacity for NbS. In the paper, specific emphasis is given to enhancing awareness of ecosystem services, adapting and simplifying vocabulary, leveraging geospatial technologies, and improving participatory mechanisms. [Display omitted] • Local biological features need to be explained for NbS social acceptance. • Ecosystem valuation tools need further adequation to the local context. • Demographics are an essential feature to be considered in engagement processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Environmental Management is the property of Academic Press Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Climate change and urban development processes have undermined the ecological fabric of urban areas and inhabitants' quality of life. In response, scholars have highlighted the need for nature-centred strategies and actions that support urban resilience. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can support the transition to more sustainable cities. Through focusing on innovative and replicable nature conservation and development interventions, NbS offer significant transformative potential. Existent research reveals that NbS applications are often limited by poor knowledge and understanding, lack of skills, and low levels of multisector engagement. Certain Mediterranean cities have experienced greater difficulties in addressing these issues than their north European counterparts. To assess the necessary conditions for NbS transformation within a Mediterranean context, this paper explores Madrid through a pilot study based on twelve semi-structured interviews with non-public professionals. Madrid was selected due to its strategic-level commitment to NbS and emerging experiences of preliminary practice. Findings were analysed using a typological framework focused on both barriers and enablers of change drawn from literature on NbS transition. Our findings revealed barriers linked to knowledge and skills (competing and fragmented understandings of NbS), as well as silo-thinking and path dependency (limited policy awareness, poor levels of cross-collaboration and internal power struggles). We conclude that enabling mechanisms associated with improved knowledge, skills and communication could potentially strengthen cities' collaborative capacity for NbS. In the paper, specific emphasis is given to enhancing awareness of ecosystem services, adapting and simplifying vocabulary, leveraging geospatial technologies, and improving participatory mechanisms. [Display omitted] • Local biological features need to be explained for NbS social acceptance. • Ecosystem valuation tools need further adequation to the local context. • Demographics are an essential feature to be considered in engagement processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03014797
DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128057