Phytoremediation

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Description

Phytoremediation is a plant-based approach, which involves the use of plants to extract and remove elemental pollutants or lower their bioavailability in soil (Berti and Cunningham, 2000). Plants have the abilities to absorb ionic compounds in the soil even at low concentrations through their root system. Plants extend their root system into the soil matrix and establish rhizosphere ecosystem to accumulate heavy metals and modulate their bioavailability, thereby reclaiming the polluted soil and stabilizing soil fertility. There are advantages of using phytoremediation, which include: (i) economically feasible—phytoremediation is an autotrophic system powered by solar energy, therefore, simple to manage, and the cost of installation and maintenance is low, (ii) environment and eco-friendly—it can reduce exposure of the pollutants to the environment and ecosystem, (iii) applicability—it can be applied over a large-scale field and can easily be disposed, (iv) it prevents erosion and metal leaching through stabilizing heavy metals, reducing the risk of spreading of contaminants, (v) it can also improve soil fertility by releasing various organic matters to the soil (Aken et al., 2009; Wuana and Okieimen, 2011; Jacob et al., 2018).

Type of NBS

Design and management of new ecosystems

Level

Ecological restoration of degraded terrestrial ecosystems

Approaches
  • 1 Ecosystem based adaptation
  • 2 Ecosystem based management
  • 3 Ecosystem based mitigation
  • 4 Ecosystem based disaster risk reduction
  • 5 Ecological engineering
  • 6 Ecological restoration

Challenges


Key Performance Indicators
Recommended Indicators Units Class
9.1 S tructural and functional connectivity of urban green and blue spaces
9.1.1 Structural connectivity of green space various Outcome-based indicators
9.1.2 Functional connectivity of urban green and blue spaces various Outcome-based indicators
9.2 N umber of native species Number Outcome-based indicators
9.3 Number of non-native species introduced
9.3.1 Number of invasive alien species Number Outcome-based indicators
9.4 Species diversity within defined area Number Outcome-based indicators
9.5 Number of species within defined area Number Outcome-based indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
10.1 Proportion of natural areas within a defined urban zone % Outcome-based indicators
10.2 Area of habitats restored ha Outcome-based indicators
10.3 Shannon Diversity Index of habitats
10.3.1 Abundance of ecotones/Shannon diversity unitless Outcome-based indicators
10.4 Length of ecotones km Outcome-based indicators
10.5 Publicly accessible green space connectivity % Outcome-based indicators
10.6 Ecological integrity % Outcome-based indicators
10.7 Proportion of protected areas
10.7.1 Sites of community importance and special protection areas ha Outcome-based indicators
10.7.2 Article17 habitat richness No./grid Outcome-based indicators
10.8 Number of veteran trees per unit area No./ha Outcome-based indicators
10.9 Quantity of dead wood per unit area m3/ha Outcome-based indicators
10.10 Forest habitat fragmentation – Effective Mesh Density 1/ha Outcome-based indicators
10.11 Extent of habitat for native pollinator species ha Outcome-based indicators
10.12 Polluted soils ha Outcome-based indicators
10.13 Soil food web stability unitless Outcome-based indicators
10.14 Modelled C and N cycling in soil t/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
10.15 Equivalent used soil m3 Outcome-based indicators
10.16 Number of conservation priority species No. Outcome-based indicators
10.17 Article17 species richness No./grid Outcome-based indicators
10.18 Number of native bird species within a defied urban area No./ha Outcome-based indicators
10.19 Species diversity – general
10.19.1 City Biodiversity Index % Outcome-based indicators
10.20 Bird species richness No./grid Outcome-based indicators
10.21 Animal species potentially at risk No./ha Outcome-based indicators
10.22 Typical vegetation species cover % Outcome-based indicators
10.23 Pollinator species presence No./ha or % Outcome-based indicators
10.24 Biodiversity Conservation various Outcome-based indicators
10.25 Metagenomic mapping
10.25.1 Abundance of functional groups Number (unitless) Outcome-based indicators
10.25.2 Diversity of functional groups (plants) Number (unitless) Outcome-based indicators
10.25.3 Diversity of functional groups (animals) Number (unitless) Outcome-based indicators
Sustainable Development Goals

Zero hunger. End hunger, achieve security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


Target 2.3

By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.

Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labour unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size

Target 2.4

By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality

Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture

Target 2.a

Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries

Indicator 2.a.1: The agriculture orientation index for government expenditures

Clean water and sanitation. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all


Target 6.1

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services

Target 6.3

By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality

Target 6.4

By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity

Indicator 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time

Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

Target 6.5

By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

Indicator 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0-100)

Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation

Target 6.6

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

Indicator 6.6.1: Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time

Target 6.a

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

Indicator 6.a.1: Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan

Target 6.b

Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Indicator 6.b.1: Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management

Climate Action. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts


Target 13.3

Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula

Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions

Target 13.b

Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities 

Indicator 13.b.1: Number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities

Life below water. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, sea and marine resources for sustainable development


Target 14.c

Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want

Indicator 14.c.1: Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources

Life on land. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


Target 15.2

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Target 15.3

By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area

Target 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

Target 15.9

By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts

Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Target 15.a

Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems

Indicator 15.a.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Target 15.b

Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation

Indicator 15.b.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Key Performance Indicators
Recommended Indicators Units Class
11.1 Number of days during which air quality parameters exceed threshold values No. of days Outcome-based indicators
11.2 Proportion of population exposed to ambient air pollution % Outcome-based indicators
11.3 European Air Quality Index Good, Fair, Moderate, Poor, Very Poor, Extremely Poor Outcome-based indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
12.1 Removal of atmospheric pollutants by vegetation kg/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
12.2 Total particulate matter removed by NBS vegetation kg/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
12.3 Modelled O3, SO2, NO2 and Co capture/removal by vegetation
12.3.1 Total Leaf Area m2 Outcome-based indicators
12.4 NOX and PM in gaseous releases PM- µg/m3 NOx - ppb Outcome-based indicators
12.5 Ambient pollen concentration Number Outcome-based indicators
12.6 Trends in NOx and SOx emissions µg/m3 Outcome-based indicators
12.7 Concentration of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2 and O3 in ambient air µg/m3 Outcome-based indicators
12.8 Concentration of particulate matter at respiration height along roads µg/m3 Outcome-based indicators
12.9 Mean level of exposure to ambient air pollution µg/m3 Outcome-based indicators
12.10 Morbidity, Mortality and Years of Life Lost due to poor air quality No./y, No./y and y Outcome-based indicators
12.11 Avoided costs for air pollution control measures Outcome-based indicators
Sustainable Development Goals

Zero hunger. End hunger, achieve security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


Target 2.3

By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.

Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labour unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size

Target 2.4

By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality

Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture

Target 2.a

Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries

Indicator 2.a.1: The agriculture orientation index for government expenditures

Climate Action. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts


Target 13.3

Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula

Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions

Target 13.b

Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities 

Indicator 13.b.1: Number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities

Life on land. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


Target 15.2

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Target 15.3

By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area

Target 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

Target 15.9

By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts

Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Target 15.a

Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems

Indicator 15.a.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Target 15.b

Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation

Indicator 15.b.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Key Performance Indicators
Recommended Indicators Units Class
13.1 Derelict land reclaimed for NBS ha Outcome-based indicators
13.2 Quantity of blue-green space as ratio to built form Number (0-1) Outcome-based indicators
13.3 Perceived quality of urban green, blue and blue-green spaces various Outcome-based indicators
13.4 Place attachment: Place identity or "Sense of Place" Outcome-based indicators
13.5 Recreational value of public green space various Outcome-based indicators
13.6 NBS incorporated in building design / incorporation of environmental design in buildings Number (0-5) Process focused indicators
13.7 Cultural heritage protection Number (0-5) Process focused indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
14.1 Share of Green Urban Areas % Outcome-based indicators
14.2 Land composition % use class A, N, D, M Outcome-based indicators
14.3 Land take index % Outcome-based indicators
14.4 Area devoted to roads Number (0-1) Outcome-based indicators
14.5 Traditional knowledge and uses reclamation Yes/No Outcome-based indicators
14.6 Traditional events organised in NBS areas No. Outcome-based indicators
14.7 Social active associations No. Structural indicators
14.8 Retail and commercial activity in proximity to green space % Outcome-based indicators
14.9 Number of new businesses created and gross value added to local economy No. of businesses and € Outcome-based indicators
14.10 Social return on investment €/€ Outcome-based indicators
14.11 Population mobility % Outcome-based indicators
14.12 Population growth % Outcome-based indicators
14.13 Proportion of elderly residents % Outcome-based indicators
14.14 Areal sprawl m2/m2 Outcome-based indicators
14.15 Access to public amenities various Outcome-based indicators
14.16 Average distance of natural resources from urban centres/train station/public transport km Outcome-based indicators
14.17 Natural and cultural site availability km2 Outcome-based indicators
14.18 Historical and cultural meaning unitless Outcome-based indicators
14.19 Cultural value of blue-green spaces various Outcome-based indicators
14.20 Opportunities for tourism No./year Outcome-based indicators
14.21 Building structure – Urban form Dimensionless (0-140) Process focused
14.22 Material used coherence Yes/No Process focused
14.23 Techniques used coherence Yes/No Process focused
14.24 Design for sense of place Number (0-5) Process focused
14.25 Viewshed km2 Outcome-based indicators
14.26 Scenic sites and landmarks created No. Outcome-based indicators
14.27 Scenic paths created km Outcome-based indicators
Sustainable Development Goals

Zero hunger. End hunger, achieve security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


Target 2.3

By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.

Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labour unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size

Target 2.4

By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality

Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture

Target 2.a

Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries

Indicator 2.a.1: The agriculture orientation index for government expenditures

Climate Action. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts


Target 13.3

Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula

Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions

Target 13.b

Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities 

Indicator 13.b.1: Number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities

Life on land. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


Target 15.2

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Target 15.3

By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area

Target 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

Target 15.9

By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts

Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Target 15.a

Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems

Indicator 15.a.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Target 15.b

Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation

Indicator 15.b.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Key Performance Indicators
Recommended Indicators Units Class
19.1 Bridging and bonding – quality of interactions within and between social groups
19.1.1 Bridging Outcome-based indicators
19.1.2 Bonding Outcome-based indicators
19.2 Inclusion of different social groups in NBS projects Number (0-5) Process focused
19.3 Trust within the community Outcome-based indicators
19.4 Solidarity among neighbours Outcome-based indicators
19.5 Tolerance and respect Outcome-based indicators
19.6 Availability and equitable distribution of blue-green space map Outcome-based indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
20.1 Linking social capital Outcome-based indicators
20.2 Perceived social interaction Number (0-5) across 4 categories Outcome-based indicators
20.3 Quantity and quality of social interaction Frequency Outcome-based indicators
20.4 Perceived social support
20.4.1 Perception of socially supportive network Number (0-5) across 5 categories Outcome-based indicators
20.4.2 Perceived social support Number (0-4) Outcome-based indicators
20.5 Perceived social cohesion Number (0-4) Outcome-based indicators
20.6 Perceived ownership of space and sense of belonging to the community Number (0-5) across 2 categories Outcome-based indicators
20.7 Proportion of community who volunteer Number (0-5) Outcome-based indicators
20.8 Proportion of target group reached by an NBS project % Outcome-based indicators
20.9 Perceived personal safety Number (0-5) Outcome-based indicators
20.10 Perceived safety of neighbourhood Outcome-based indicators
20.11 Number of violent incidents, nuisances and crimes per 100 000 population Np. Per 100 000 Outcome-based indicators
20.12 Realised safety Outcome-based indicators
20.13 Area easily accessible for people with disabilities km2 Outcome-based indicators
20.14 Change in properties incomes % Outcome-based indicators
Sustainable Development Goals

Zero hunger. End hunger, achieve security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


Target 2.3

By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.

Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labour unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size

Target 2.4

By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality

Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture

Target 2.a

Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries

Indicator 2.a.1: The agriculture orientation index for government expenditures

Clean water and sanitation. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all


Target 6.1

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services

Target 6.3

By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality

Target 6.4

By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity

Indicator 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time

Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

Target 6.5

By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

Indicator 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0-100)

Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation

Target 6.6

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

Indicator 6.6.1: Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time

Target 6.a

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

Indicator 6.a.1: Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan

Target 6.b

Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Indicator 6.b.1: Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management

Responsible Consumption and Production. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns


Target 12.8

By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment

Climate Action. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts


Target 13.3

Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula

Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions

Target 13.b

Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities 

Indicator 13.b.1: Number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities

Life below water. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, sea and marine resources for sustainable development


Target 14.c

Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want

Indicator 14.c.1: Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources

Life on land. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


Target 15.2

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Target 15.3

By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area

Target 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

Target 15.9

By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts

Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Target 15.a

Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems

Indicator 15.a.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Target 15.b

Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation

Indicator 15.b.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Key Performance Indicators
Recommended Indicators Units Class
21.1 Level of outdoor physical activity Outcome-based indicators
21.2 Level of chronic stress (Perceived stress) Number (0-4) Outcome-based indicators
21.3 General wellbeing and happiness Number (0-7) Outcome-based indicators
21.4 Self-reported mental health and wellbeing Number (1-6) Outcome-based indicators
21.5 Cardiovascular diseases (prevalence, incidence) %, % per year Outcome-based indicators
21.6 Morbidity, mortality due to cardiovascular disease No./y Outcome-based indicators
21.7 Quality of Life Number (1-5) Outcome-based indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
22.1 Self-reported physical activity Minutes per week Outcome-based indicators
22.2 Observed physical activity level within NBS % over 3 levels of physical activity (sedentary, walking, or vigorous) Outcome-based indicators
22.3 Encouraging a healthy lifestyle Number (1-5) Outcome-based indicators
22.4 Incidence of obesity % per year Outcome-based indicators
22.5 Heat-related discomfort: Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) oC Outcome-based indicators
22.6 Hospital admissions due to high temperature during extreme heat events No. per 100 000 Outcome-based indicators
22.7 Heat-related mortality No. per 1 000 000 per year Outcome-based indicators
22.8 Exposure to noise pollution % Outcome-based indicators
22.9 Perceived chronic loneliness Number (1-3) across 3 categories Outcome-based indicators
22.10 Somatisation Low, Moderately high, Very high Outcome-based indicators
22.11 Mindfulness Number (0-4) across 12 categories Outcome-based indicators
22.12 Visual access to green space Number (0-4) Outcome-based indicators
22.13 Time spent viewing green space from residence each day Number (0-3) Outcome-based indicators
22.14 Perceived restorativeness of public green space/ NBS Number (0-10) across 4 categories Outcome-based indicators
22.15 Perceived social support Number (0-4) Outcome-based indicators
22.16 Connectedness to nature Number (1-5) across 14 categories Outcome-based indicators
22.17 Prevalence of attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) % Outcome-based indicators
22.18 Exploratory behaviour in children Outcome-based indicators
22.19 Self-reported anxiety Mild, Moderate, Severe Outcome-based indicators
22.20 Prevalence, incidence, morbidity and mortality of respiratory diseases %, %per year, No./y, No./y Outcome-based indicators
22.21 Morbidity, Mortality and Years of Life Lost due to poor air quality No./y, No./y, No. of years Outcome-based indicators
22.22 Prevalence and incidence of autoimmune diseases %, % per year Outcome-based indicators
22.23 Prevalence, incidence and morbidity of chronic stress %, % per year and No./y Outcome-based indicators
Sustainable Development Goals

Zero hunger. End hunger, achieve security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


Target 2.3

By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.

Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labour unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size

Target 2.4

By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality

Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture

Target 2.a

Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries

Indicator 2.a.1: The agriculture orientation index for government expenditures

Clean water and sanitation. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all


Target 6.1

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services

Target 6.3

By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality

Target 6.4

By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity

Indicator 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time

Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

Target 6.5

By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

Indicator 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0-100)

Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation

Target 6.6

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

Indicator 6.6.1: Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time

Target 6.a

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

Indicator 6.a.1: Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan

Target 6.b

Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Indicator 6.b.1: Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management

Responsible Consumption and Production. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns


Target 12.8

By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment

Climate Action. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts


Target 13.3

Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula

Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions

Target 13.b

Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities 

Indicator 13.b.1: Number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities

Life below water. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, sea and marine resources for sustainable development


Target 14.c

Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want

Indicator 14.c.1: Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources

Life on land. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


Target 15.2

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Target 15.3

By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area

Target 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

Target 15.9

By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts

Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Target 15.a

Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems

Indicator 15.a.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Target 15.b

Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation

Indicator 15.b.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Key Performance Indicators
Recommended Indicators Units Class
23.1 Valuation of NBS
23.1.1 Value of NBS calculated using GI-Val Outcome-based indicators
23.1.2 Economic Value of Urban Nature Index Outcome-based indicators
23.2 Mean land and/or property value in proximity to green space
23.2.1 Change in mean house prices/ rental markets Outcome-based indicators
23.2.2 Average land productivity and profitability €/ha Outcome-based indicators
23.2.3 Property betterment and visual amenity enhancement €/m2 Outcome-based indicators
23.3 Direct economic activity: Number of new jobs created €/year Outcome-based indicators
23.4 Direct economic activity: Retail and commercial activity in proximity to green space % Outcome-based indicators
23.5 Direct economic activity: Gross value added to local economy from new business creation %/year Outcome-based indicators
23.6 Recreational monetary value €/year Outcome-based indicators
23.7 Overall economic, social and health wellbeing Human Development Index Outcome-based indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
24.1 New businesses established in proximity to NBS No./year Outcome-based indicators
24.2 Value of rates paid by businesses in proximity to NBS €/year Outcome-based indicators
24.3 New customers to businesses in proximity to NBS Mean No./day per quarter Outcome-based indicators
24.4 Local economy GDP in proximity to NBS €/year Outcome-based indicators
24.5 Initial costs of NBS implementation Outcome-based indicators
24.6 Maintenance costs of NBS €/year Outcome-based indicators
24.7 Replacement costs of NBS Outcome-based indicators
24.8 Avoided costs due to NBS implementation Outcome-based indicators
24.9 Payback period for NBS year Outcome-based indicators
24.10 Reduced/avoided damage costs from hydro meteorological risk reduction €/year Outcome-based indicators
24.11 Social Return on Investment (SROI) €/€ Outcome-based indicators
24.12 Income generated via application of green administrative policies within Living Lab district €/year Outcome-based indicators
24.13 Subsidies applied for private NBS measures €/year Outcome-based indicators
24.14 Private finance attracted to the NBS site €/year Outcome-based indicators
24.15 Increase in tourism Mean no. visitors/day per year Outcome-based indicators
24.16 New activities in the tourism sector Number (1-5) Outcome-based indicators
24.17 Gross profit from nature-based tourism €/year per km2 Outcome-based indicators
24.18 Number of new jobs in green sector % Outcome-based indicators
24.19 Jobs created in NBS construction and maintenance Number (1-5) Outcome-based indicators
24.20 New employment in the tourism sector Number (1-5) Outcome-based indicators
24.21 Turnover in the green sector % Outcome-based indicators
24.22 Employment in agriculture No./ha Outcome-based indicators
24.23 Rural Productivity Index €/ha Outcome-based indicators
24.24 Economic value of productive activities vulnerable to risks €/km2 Outcome-based indicators
24.25 Innovation impact No. Innovations Outcome-based indicators
24.26 Income/Disposable income per capita €/year per person Outcome-based indicators
24.27 Upskilling and related earnings increase Increase in employment earnings per person per year Outcome-based indicators
24.28 Population mobility % in 1 y, % in 2 y, % in 5 y Outcome-based indicators
24.29 Avoided cost of run-off treatment €/y Outcome-based indicators
24.30 Correction Cost of Groundwater Quality €/m3 Outcome-based indicators
24.31 Dissuasive cost of water abstraction €/m3 Outcome-based indicators
24.32 Average water productivity €/m3 Outcome-based indicators
24.33 New areas made available for traditional productive uses km2 Outcome-based indicators
24.34 Value of food produced in NBS €/y Outcome-based indicators
24.35 Renewable energy produced in NBS kWh/y Outcome-based indicators
Sustainable Development Goals

Zero hunger. End hunger, achieve security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


Target 2.3

By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.

Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labour unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size

Target 2.4

By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality

Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture

Target 2.a

Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries

Indicator 2.a.1: The agriculture orientation index for government expenditures

Climate Action. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts


Target 13.3

Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula

Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions

Target 13.b

Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities 

Indicator 13.b.1: Number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities

Life below water. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, sea and marine resources for sustainable development


Target 14.c

Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want

Indicator 14.c.1: Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources

Life on land. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


Target 15.2

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Target 15.3

By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area

Target 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

Target 15.9

By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts

Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Target 15.a

Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems

Indicator 15.a.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Target 15.b

Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation

Indicator 15.b.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems

Ecosystem Services


Ecosystem Service Categories
  • Food, crops, wild foods and spices
  • Water
Ecosystem Service Categories
  • Water purification
  • Erosion prevention
  • Flood protection
  • Maintaining populations and habitats
  • Soil formation and composition
  • Nutrient dispersal & cycling
Ecosystem Service Categories
  • Recreation
  • Intellectual and aesthetic appreciation

Real case example of applied NBS

There are no available real case examples at the moment