Brief: Public Sector & Nature-based Solution (NbS) Investment: Drivers, hurdles and ideas to overcome them

Ecosystem services and nature restoration represent immense future economic value that can be delivered by Nature-based Solutions (NbS). They are cost-effective interventions that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits while strengthening climate and community resilience. Examples include restoring wetlands to reduce flooding, planting trees to improve air quality, and creating urban green spaces to enhance community well-being. Despite these wide-ranging benefits, the economic value of NbS remains under-recognized, limiting incentives for investment. This brief presents insights of the Invest4Nature (I4N) public sector interviews on barriers and drivers of NbS investment, and the role of different governance levels in shaping the implementation of NbS projects. It highlights: Key drivers influencing NbS investments Main barriers to NbS finance Recommendations for enhancing public sector engagement and support for NbS initiatives