Evaluating the Effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions: Technical, Economic, and Managerial Insights from Case Studies Comparisons

In recent years, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), defined as interventions inspired by ecosystem processes and aimed at generating environmental, social, and economic benefits, have taken on a central role in urban regeneration and climate change adaptation processes. Despite widespread recognition of their advantages, the spread of NBS is still limited by uncertainties related to performance over time, management costs, and governance models. With the intent of overcoming this limitation, this paper proposes a comparative analysis of case studies of green infrastructure in urban areas, with the aim of identifying the main factors that determine their effectiveness and sustainability throughout their entire life cycle. The research, conducted through a critical review of the literature and the application of a SWOT analysis, highlights the technical, economic, and management conditions that influence the performance of NBS in relation to different contexts of application. The outcome of the study is the definition of an interpretative framework to support designers and decision-makers, geared towards the replicability of solutions, the optimization of resources, and the structural integration of NBS into urban and environmental planning and regeneration processes.