Social Impact Framework for assessing the impacts of NBS on human well-being and justice and its relation to biodiversity

This evidence brief aims to support local level planning and policymaking, and to improve understanding among relevant stakeholders across sectors and disciplines of how NbS influence societal wellbeing, and how their positive social impacts can be intentionally designed, governed, and assessed in practice.

Key messages
● Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can deliver substantial benefits for human wellbeing and physical health, particularly when intentionally designed and integrated into social contexts.
● NbS should be designed and governed as social-ecological systems, not just as blue-green infrastructure, because social processes are as important as the physical elements in shaping impacts and outcomes.
● Equitable access, inclusive governance, and sensitivity to local conditions are central to successful multi-functional NbS.
● The potential of NbS to maximise wellbeing benefits while maintaining or enhancing biodiversity is context-dependent and requires further research.
● Monitoring and evaluating social impact helps to prioritise actions, demonstrate value, and ensure that NbS contribute to wellbeing, resilience, and fairness over time.