The health benefits of Nature-based solutions (KB-54-000-017)

NbS are currently mainly framed as solutions for climate and biodiversity, but can have an health impact as well. In this study we investigate the type and size of health effect of NbS in the context of urban areas in the Netherlands, based on expert views.

According to the recent IPBES report (2025), biodiversity, climate, water, food and health are closely linked in the so-called Nexus. Changes in one element directly affect the others, which requires an integrated approach with as many win-wins as possible. NbS are often developed from a biodiversity and climate perspective, but there might be benefits on health as well. From a One Health perspective the focus is often on risks, such as possible zoonoses, but this project offers opportunities to make the positive health effects of NbS visible. The scientific interest lies in generating evidence for the health benefits of NbS, something that for example governments are explicitly asking for. Because causal relationships are difficult to quantify, a framework is being developed to identify existing and missing data and to explore methods to assess the impact. The focus is on urban areas and their surroundings, where NbS such as green and blue spaces can have a direct impact on health and well-being. The objectives are twofold: on the one hand, to gain insight into the qualitative and quantitative effects of NbS on health and well-being and, on the other hand, to strengthen the knowledge base to connect NbS to current health challenges, such as prevention. With a literature review and a Delphi study, we gather insights into the type and extent of the health effect of NbS in the context of urban areas. The literature review will collect existing evidence and identify knowledge gaps that require further investigation. The Delphi method is used to consult experts about their insights on the extent and type of health effects. The focus in 2026 will be on the design phase of NbS. The results will consist of a visual representation of a framework with the relationships and impacts, which can contribute to a broader health vision around NbS and their role in climate and biodiversity goals.