A wide range of stakeholders can participate in the planning and governance of nature-based solutions (NBS), such as large-scale restoration of forests, wetlands, and shorelines, and small-scale implementation of green roofs and walls, rain gardens, and others. When stakeholders are involved in NBS projects, they become engaged in the process and involved in planning, decision making, and forming relationships. The planning process is more transparent when stakeholders are informed. Policies are adapted to reflect the common goals of the stakeholders; these community-based projects can result in a healthier, more livable urban space for all users.
In the European cities of Basel and Stuttgart, a quarter of rooftops have been converted into green roofs; after pressure from residents, regulations were adopted to increase the installation of these visible sustainability projects. The City of Portland in the United States provides incentives for property owners and developers to include green “ecoroofs” in their construction. This has resulted in $2 million worth of incentives, creating 130 projects for a total of 8 acres of ecoroofs within the city. It is estimated that these roofs capture 4.4 million gallons of rainwater each year.
It is more efficient and less expensive to make changes in the designing phase of a project. Including stakeholders early on ensures that the intended users will have expected experiences with the implemented project; this can save time and resources on future changes.
