NbS incorporate an ecological, economic, social and cultural systems perspective
The purpose of this Criterion is to ensure NbS recognise and respond to the complexity and uncertainty that occur in the ecological, economic, social and cultural systems within which they are designed and implemented. Understanding the complex interconnections and interactions within a system helps identify intended and unintended impacts of and on the NbS and inform any adaptive measures (Criterion 7). A participatory process is more likely to produce a context-specific rich representation of these interconnections and interactions, reflecting the views, knowledge, shared values, cultural norms and experiences of stakeholders and rights-holders (Criterion 5).
2.1 NbS recognise and respond to interactions between the economy, society, ecosystems and cultural norms
The success of an NbS intervention is determined not only by the quality of the technical intervention but, critically, how well the interconnections and interactions between the people, their shared values and cultural norms, the economy and the ecosystems are understood and responded to. For NbS to be durable and sustainable, a “systems-perspective” framing is required to ensure these interconnections and interactions are identified, acknowledged, built into the NbS decision-making process (Criterion 5) and their evolution monitored over time to ensure the NbS adapt to changing context (Criterion 7).
2.2 NbS seek synergies across sectors and with complementary interventions
To enhance/strengthen the effectiveness/efficiency in pursuing their outcomes, it is important for NbS to seek synergies with and complement other types of interventions (such as engineering, information technology, financial instruments, insurance, cultural practices, etc.) and work across different sectors according to the specifics and context of each situation. It is important to identify complementary interventions and relevant sectors through participatory process (Criterion 5).
2.3 NbS incorporate risk identification and management
For the NbS to be viable, durable, and sustainable, an appropriate risk identification and management framework should be incorporated into the NbS design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. A risk-based approach means the NbS is assessed to understand whether it might pose risks that could give rise to any negative social or environmental impacts and whether external risks, including those that originate beyond the immediate intervention site, may affect its performance and sustainability. Once risks are identified, documented, and understood, the appropriate risk response measures should be taken in accordance with the level of risk. Risk identification and management is a continuous process throughout the life of the NbS. It requires adequate monitoring exercise to detect new and changing risks and constantly evaluate the response measures used in dealing with them accordingly (Criteria 6 and 7).
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