D6.1 Socio-economic indicators and framework for Nexus-relevant NBS

The use of water resources has become an important and relevant issue and it is increasingly clear that water management must be addressed with an integrative perspective, interlinking the objectives and needs of multiple sectors. This is at the basis of the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus approach. The WEFE nexus approach considers the WEFE elements as interdependent and aims to maximise synergies while reducing trade-offs and conflicts that may occur among them. A plethora of emergent solutions are increasingly being considered within the WEFE nexus management. They fall under the umbrella term of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). NBS are based on and inspired by nature. They are designed to address societal and environmental challenges and are capable to provide social, economic, and environmental benefits. The aim of this deliverable is to develop and provide indicators to assess the socio-economic benefits associated with NBS implementation to face WEFE nexus-related challenges vis-à-vis associated costs. Guidelines have been developed to support decision makers that will select NBS to face WEFE-related challenges. In particular, the guidelines are designed to support evaluating NBS capacity to provide benefits – in terms of ecosystem services - while also considering their implementation and management costs. An illustrative example of the guidelines’ implementation is presented. This document has been developed within the framework of the EU PRIMA Lenses project (LEarning and action alliances for NexuS EnvironmentS in an uncertain future). The project aims to support and operationalise the nexus paradigm contributing to improve water allocation, enhance food security while preserving ecosystems and aiding climate change adaptation. More specifically, the report has been developed under Work Package 6: “Environmental and natural resource economics approaches for nexus business cases” and task 6.1: “Socio-economic analysis of NBS”.