Strengthening the business case for urban forests

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly recognized as effective strategies for addressing urbanization challenges while enhancing environmental sustainability and community well-being. Urban forests, in particular, play a crucial role in climate adaptation and urban resilience. However, decision-making around their funding and implementation is often centralized within public authorities and government bodies, overlooking input from local communities, NGOs, and small to medium enterprises, which are key stakeholders directly impacted by green infrastructure decisions. This limited engagement, coupled with a lack of awareness of the long-term economic, environmental and social benefits of urban forests, frequently hampers the realization of their full potential and long-term viability. To bridge this gap, the Horizon 2020 CONEXUS project has developed the step-by-step guide "Capturing the Values and Making the Business Case for Nature-Based Solutions". Designed to empower urban stakeholders, this guide provides structured methodologies and practical tools for developing robust business case for NBS; shifting the focus from a narrow economic perspective to a comprehensive valorization approach that integrates environmental, economic, social and health dimensions. Tested in five cities across Europe and Latin America, the methodology proposed in the Guide has been adapted to diverse socio-economic and political contexts, addressing challenges related to data availability, governance structures and stakeholder engagement. Integrating urban forests into a structured business case framework could ensure that these infrastructures receive not only financial support for implementation but also sustained community participation, maximizing their impact and ensuring long-term social and financial viability.