Supplementary File for "An Environmental Evaluation Framework for Planning and Monitoring of Nature Based Solutions for Sustainable Urban Management" manuscript

Supplementary File for "An Environmental Evaluation Framework for Planning and Monitoring of Nature Based Solutions for Sustainable Urban Management" draft manuscript to be sent to Open Research Europe

Abstract of "An Environmental Evaluation Framework for Planning and Monitoring of Nature Based Solutions for Sustainable Urban Management" Manuscript

In response to urban challenges created by the global climate change, Nature Based Solutions (NBS) are accepted as viable sustainability solutions that provide environmental, economic, and social benefits. In order to mainstream NBS projects and secure necessary funding, an evidence-based approach, supported by performance indicators, is necessary for planning and deployment stages. The main aim of this article is to establish an assessment framework, which fosters the urban planning and implementation periods of NBS projects and forms a linkage between adaptation actions with urban sustainability policies by making use of monitoring data that enables predictive estimation of future scenarios. This framework entails definition of relevant environmental indicators through a Material Flow Analysis (MFA)-based urban metabolism (UM) approach and dynamic application of these indicators to be used for monitoring purposes. While the initial application of the environmental assessment framework supports selection of most suitable NBS to tackle urban challenge of concern, the dynamic performance tracking provides critical, strategic and analytical insights to ensure the desired targets are met. Such an assessment methodology can also maximize the contribution of NBS to EU policies including European Green Deal (EGD), EU Biodiversity Strategy and EU Adaptation Strategy.