Work

Policy and regulatory measures supporting the implementation of nature-based solutions in urban stormwater management of private properties: Insights from Finland

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Despite widely existing consensus that nature-based solutions (NbS) provide competitive and sustainable alternatives for grey infrastructure in urban water management, the implementation of NbS is lagging behind current needs. This study explores if and how regulatory measures can promote NbS adoption on privately owned land. Policy document analysis of Finnish stormwater programmes gathers how NbS are considered at municipal-level, key informant interviews aim to identify bottlenecks in stormwater regulations, and building permit analysis evaluates whether policy instruments have increased NbS implementation on private land. Results reveal fragmented municipal regulations due to a lack of national consensus, leading to bottlenecks for implementation such as limited knowledge, commitment, and institutional coherence. While current regulations have increased solution diversity, widespread NbS implementation requires mandating and consistent regulations aligned with sustainability goals, improved understanding of NbS functionality, examples and education, national cooperation, and recognition of NbS as viable stormwater management options.

Source: AMBIO

DOI: 10.1007/s13280-025-02253-2

Authors: Aino Saarinen, Piia Leskinen, Aleksi Reini, Nora Fagerholm, Elina Kasvi

Institutions: University of Turku, Turku University of Applied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Urban Stormwater Management Solutions

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Clean water and sanitation, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,490