Presentation short abstract

Concerns over justice in Nature-based solutions are likely to be amplified when scaling NbS across places. We present a conceptual framework on justice in NbS scaling co-developed following a transdisciplinary approach.

Presentation long abstract

Concerns over justice in Nature-based solutions have been raised as they, inter alia, may generate or intensify already existing socio-spatial inequalities, perpetuate the lack of recognition and involvement of vulnerable stakeholders in decision-making processes and promote speculative development. Such concerns are likely to be amplified when scaling NbS across contexts and places.

Our paper presents a conceptual framework on justice in NbS scaling co-developed following a transdisciplinary approach that includes: a) several workshops among FairNature project members, b) a transnational Lab Exchange with experts, c) insights from “thick descriptions” of six action cases and d) a literature review. The framework builds on the assumption that NbS delivery at wide scale can only generate lasting transformative change if the scaling approach towards geographical expansion is embedded in the political, organisational and cultural context. Such a scaling approach must include: i) scaling up to higher policy level changes in laws, policies, or norms to foster institutional change for NbS; ii) scaling down by (re-)allocating necessary resources and means (e.g. incentives, regulations, funding) to support NbS implementation and impact; iii) scaling in by ensuring organisations have the structure, capacity, functions or skills to deliver NbS; and iv) scaling deep through achieving transformative change in practices, norms, beliefs and values and reflexive learning.

We categorize observations of justice in these scaling practices, including – among others – dimensions of distributive, procedural, recognition, intergenerational, and multispecies justice. The result is a comprehensive framework establishing the links between scaling and justices and possible synergies and tradeoffs.