ICTA-UAB contributes to a European report on inclusive NbS
Sara Maestre, researcher at ICTA-UAB, has co-authored a new report for the European Commission titled “Co-creating nature-based solutions with commonly excluded stakeholders: Insights from practice and research.”
The report, developed within NetworkNature+ Task Force 6 on Co-Creation and Governance, explores how to make the co-creation of nature-based solutions (NbS) more inclusive by actively involving groups that are often left out of decision-making processes. These commonly excluded stakeholders (CES) include marginalised communities, migrants, Indigenous peoples, youth, older adults, and individuals facing socio-economic vulnerabilities.
Based on a combination of survey results and an expert workshop, the publication identifies the main barriers that prevent meaningful participation—such as power imbalances, rigid project cycles, and lack of trust—and synthesises practical strategies and examples to overcome them. The report also proposes eight guiding principles for inclusive NbS co-creation, highlighting the need for intentional inclusion, trust-building, flexibility, equity, cultural sensitivity, and long-term engagement.
The key message of the report is that inclusion must be a continuous commitment throughout the entire NbS lifecycle, not a one-time effort.
Read the full report here: Co-creating nature-based solutions with commonly excluded stakeholders