The “Guide for integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning. A first approach for Colombia” was developed to facilitate the inclusion of nature in urban planning processes through a seven-step process. This guide is designed to support various stakeholders working on urban issues related to biodiversity and ecosystem services in urban planning, such as local governments, urban developers, academia, NGOs, and private initiatives.

The seven steps outlined are as follows:

1. Identifying the supply of nature and opportunities in urban and peri-urban space.
2. Identifying needs in urban and peri-urban space that can be addressed through NbS.
3. Future urban development scenarios with NbS.
4. Prioritizing NbS options.
5. Criteria for multifunctional NbS design.
6. Alternatives for financing NbS.
7. Indicators for monitoring NbS.

Each step includes a general objective and a set of guidelines and recommendations for achieving it. The guide also presents case studies from different cities to help readers better understand each step and illustrate the concepts in practice.

This guide is a fundamental tool for effectively integrating nature-based solutions into urban development, promoting cities that are more sustainable, resilient, and
biodiverse.

Download the Guide for integrating NbS into urban planning. A first approach for Colombia (Figueroa-Arango 2020) here.