land Article Not Simply Green: Nature-Based Solutions as a Concept and Practical Approach for Sustainability Studies and Planning Agendas in Cities Diana Dushkova 1 and Dagmar Haase 1,2,* 1 Department of Geography, Humboldt University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany;
[email protected] 2 Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Science—UFZ, Department of Comp. Landscape Ecology, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +49-030-2093-9445 Received: 21 December 2019; Accepted: 4 January 2020; Published: 11 January 2020 Abstract: The concept of a nature-based solution (NBS) has been developed in order to operationalize an ecosystem services approach within spatial planning policies and practices, to fully integrate the ecological dimension, and, at the same time, to address current societal challenges in cities. It exceeds the bounds of traditional approaches that aim ‘to protect and preserve’ by considering enhancing, restoring, co-creating, and co-designing urban green networks with nature that are characterized by multifunctionality and connectivity. NBSs include the main ideas of green and blue infrastructure, ecosystem services, and biomimicry concepts, and they are considered to be urban design and planning tools for ecologically sensitive urban development. Nowadays, NBSs are on their way to the mainstream as part of both national and international policies. The successful implementation of NBSs in Europe and worldwide, which is becoming increasingly common, highlights the importance and relevance of NBS for sustainable and livable cities. This paper discusses the roles, development processes, and functions of NBSs in cities by taking Leipzig as a case study.