NEIKER-Tecnalia and Tecnalia Research and Innovation, within the framework of the project “NaturAdapt- Standards and guidelines for the evaluation of effectiveness and design of nature-based solutions for urban adaptation to climate change with a multi-scale approach”, have developed a “Guide for the evaluation of the effectiveness and design of Natural Solutions as mitigation and adaptation measures to climate change“.

The objective of this initiative is to provide local administrations with a methodology for the evaluation of the multiple benefits of nature-inspired solutions and their effectiveness as mitigation and adaptation measures to climate change at the local level, as well as a proposal for alignment in urban planning processes. Some examples of natural solutions can be green roofs or facades, as well as other natural elements, green and blue infrastructures in public space, connected to parks and natural areas of the municipalities

The guide offers support material, methodologies, tools and examples of a case study that allow generating evidence for correct decision-making on the implementation of natural solutions. Quantitative estimates of the benefits they would bring in terms of extreme temperatures, flood control, carbon sequestration and biodiversity are proposed. In addition, different scales of work are proposed – neighbourhood and city – and both an individual and integrated assessment of each of the benefits potentially offered by nature-based solutions.

The project also involves the realization of a practical case in Txomin-Enea, in Donostia-San Sebastián. This area is located in the valley of the Urumea River, thus constituting a space with possibilities and a landscape and ecological potential of vital importance for the future of the city. In 2017, an urban transformation began that was based on the need to raise the general level of the urbanization, to avoid the recurrent floods that the neighborhood suffers year after year. By means of this increase in the grade, the areas of an urbanization itself and a river park that will serve as a floodplain in the face of periodic floods will be delimited.