Reconnect rivers with floodplains to enhance natural water storage

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Description

Reconnecting rivers with their floodplains is a green infrastructure approach that focuses on removing barriers along the edges of the river. This allows the river to re-establish its natural course over time, eventually connecting it to its historical floodplain, or creating a new one. It can include removal or setting back of levees, raising of a deeply engraved riverbed, or expanding a river’s bank. Faster solutions include manually restoring (by digging) the river close to its original form, and establish human made connections between the river and its original floodplain wetlands.

Type of NBS

Design and management of new ecosystems

Level

Restoration and creation of semi-natural water bodies and hydrographic networks

Approaches
  • 1 Climate adaptation approaches
  • 2 Ecosystem based adaptation
  • 3 Ecosystem based management
  • 4 Ecosystem based mitigation
  • 5 Ecosystem based disaster risk reduction
  • 6 Ecological engineering
  • 7 Ecological restoration
  • 8 Natural resources management

Challenges


Key Performance Indicators
Recommended Indicators Units Class
1.1 Carbon removed or stored in vegetation and soil kg/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
1.2 Avoided greenhouse gas emissions from reduced building energy consumption t CO2e/y Outcome-based indicators
1.3 TXx, Monthly mean value of daily maximum temperature °C Outcome-based indicators
1.4 TNn, Monthly mean value of daily minimum temperature °C Outcome-based indicators
1.5 Heatwave Incidence No./y Outcome-based indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
2.1 Carbon storage and sequestration in vegetation
2.1.1 Carbon storage and sequestration in vegetation per unit area per unit time kg/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
2.1.2 Carbon storage and sequestration in vegetation – annual determination kg/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
2.1.3 Total Leaf Area m2 Outcome-based indicators
2.1.4 Carbon Storage Score kg/day Outcome-based indicators
2.1.5 Measured soil carbon content ton/ha Outcome-based indicators
2.1.6 Modelled carbon content of the upper soil layer ton/ha Outcome-based indicators
2.1.7 Soil carbon decomposition rate % p.a. Outcome-based indicators
2.2 Energy use savings due to green infrastructure implementation kWh/y Outcome-based indicators
2.3 Estimated carbon emissions reduction from building energy saving - cooling t CO2e/y Outcome-based indicators
2.4 Energy and CO2 emissions savings from reduced volume of water entering sewers t CO2e/y Outcome-based indicators
2.5 Soil Temperature °C Outcome-based indicators
2.6 Total surface area of wetlands ha Outcome-based indicators
2.7 Surface area of restored and/or created wetlands ha Outcome-based indicators
2.8 Aboveground tree biomass t/ha Outcome-based indicators
2.9 Human Comfort
2.9.1 Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) °C Outcome-based indicators
2.9.2 Thermal Comfort Score (TCS) unitless Outcome-based indicators
2.9.3 Physiological equivalent temperature (PET) °C Outcome-based indicators
2.9.4 Predicted Mean Vote-Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PMV-PPD) unitless Outcome-based indicators
2.10 Urban Heat Island Effect
2.10.1 Urban Heat Island (UHI) incidence °C Outcome-based indicators
2.10.2 Number of combined tropical nights and hot days No. Outcome-based indicators
2.10.3 Thermal Storage Score J Outcome-based indicators
2.10.4 Thermal Load Score °C Outcome-based indicators
2.11 Estimated reduction in peak summer temperature °C Outcome-based indicators
2.12 Maximum surface cooling °C Outcome-based indicators
2.13 Mean or peak daytime temperature
2.13.1 Mean or peak daytime temperature - Direct temperature measurement °C Outcome-based indicators
2.13.2 Mean or peak daytime temperature - Temperature modelling °C Outcome-based indicators
2.14 Daily Temperature Range (DTR) °C Outcome-based indicators
2.15 Cooling of ambient air
2.15.1 Air cooling °C Outcome-based indicators
2.15.2 Air temperature reduction °C Outcome-based indicators
2.16 Tree shade for local heat reduction m2 Outcome-based indicators
2.17 Rate of evapotranspiration mm/day Outcome-based indicators
2.18 Land surface temperature °C Outcome-based indicators
2.19 Surface reflectance - Albedo unitless Outcome-based indicators
2.20 Estimated carbon emissions from vehicle traffic tC/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 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
3.13 Surface runoff in relation to precipitation quantity mm/% Outcome-based indicators
3.14 Water Quality – general urban various Outcome-based indicators
3.15 Total Suspended Solids (TSS) content mg/L Outcome-based indicators
3.16 Nitrogen and phosphorus concentration or load % Outcome-based indicators
3.17 Metal concentration or load % Outcome-based indicators
3.18 Total faecal coliform bacteria No. Outcome-based indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
4.13 Measured infiltration rate and capacity % or mm/h and mm/d Outcome-based indicators
4.14 Calculated infiltration rate and capacity % or mm/h and mm/d Outcome-based indicators
4.15 Evapotranspiration rate mm/m2 day Outcome-based indicators
4.16 Peak flow variation % Outcome-based indicators
4.17 Flood peak reduction and delay % and h Outcome-based indicators
4.18 Height of flood peak and time to flood peak measurement m3/s and h Outcome-based indicators
4.19 Flood excess volume (FEV) m3 Outcome-based indicators
4.20 Rainfall interception rate of NBS mm/h Outcome-based indicators
4.21 Runoff rate for different rainfall events m3/s Outcome-based indicators
4.22 Run-Off Score unitless Outcome-based indicators
4.23 Rainfall storage capacity of NBS mm/% Outcome-based indicators
4.24 Quantitative status of groundwater Good or Poor Outcome-based indicators
4.25 Depth to groundwater m Outcome-based indicators
4.26 Groundwater chemical status Good or Poor Outcome-based indicators
4.27 Trend in piezometric levels (TPL) m3/y Outcome-based indicators
4.28 Groundwater exploitation index (GEI) % Outcome-based indicators
4.29 Aquifer surface ratio with excessive nitrate % Outcome-based indicators
4.30 Aquifer surface ratio with excessive arsenic % Outcome-based indicators
4.31 Water availability for irrigation purposes m3/y Outcome-based indicators
4.32 Water Exploitation Index % Outcome-based indicators
4.33 Water dependency for food production m3 Outcome-based indicators
4.34 Calculated drinking water provision m3/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
4.35 Net surface water availability m3/y Outcome-based indicators
4.36 Volume of water removed from water treatment system m3/y Outcome-based indicators
4.37 Volume of water slowed down entering sewer system m3/s Outcome-based indicators
4.38 Total surface area of wetlands within a defined area ha Outcome-based indicators
4.39 Total surface area of restored and/or created wetlands ha Outcome-based indicators
4.40 Soil water saturation % Outcome-based indicators
4.41 Soil water retention capacity m3/m3 Outcome-based indicators
4.42 Stemflow rate mm/h Outcome-based indicators
4.43 Percolation rate under different rainfall events mm/d Outcome-based indicators
4.44 Dissolved oxygen (DO) content of NBS effluents mg/L Outcome-based indicators
4.45 Eutrophication unitless Outcome-based indicators
4.46 pH of NBS effluents unitless Outcome-based indicators
4.47 Electrical conductivity of NBS effluents μS/cm Outcome-based indicators
4.48 Water Framework Directive: Physico-chemical quality of surface waters High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad Outcome-based indicators
4.49 Total pollutant discharge to local waterbodies unitless Outcome-based indicators
4.50 Water Quality: basic physical parameters various Outcome-based indicators
4.51 Total polycyclic hydrocarbon (PAH) content of NBS effluents ng/L Outcome-based indicators
4.52 Total organic carbon (TOC) content of NBS effluents mg/L C Outcome-based indicators
4.53 General ecological status of surface waters High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad Outcome-based indicators
4.54 Ecological potential for heavily modified or artificial water bodies Maximum, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad Outcome-based indicators
4.55 Biological quality of surface waters High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad Outcome-based indicators
4.56 Total number and species richness of aquatic macroinvertebrates unitless Outcome-based indicators
4.57 Morphological Quality Index (MQI) unitless Outcome-based indicators
4.58 Hydromorphological quality of surface waters High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad Outcome-based indicators
4.59 Fluvial Functionality Index 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

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
5.13 Disaster Resilience unitless Structural indicators
5.14 Disaster-risk informed development unitless Structural indicators
5.15 Mean annual direct and indirect losses due to natural and climate hazards Outcome-based indicators
5.16 Risk to critical urban infrastructure % Outcome-based indicators
5.17 Mean number of people adversely affected by natural disasters each year unitless Outcome-based indicators
5.18 Multi-hazard early warning unitless Structural indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
6.13 Potential areas exposed to risks
6.13.1 Urban/residential areas ha Outcome-based indicators
6.13.2 Productive areas ha Outcome-based indicators
6.14 Natural areas, sites of community importance and special protection areas ha Outcome-based indicators
6.15 Potential population exposed to risks
6.15.1 Inhabitants No/ha Outcome-based indicators
6.15.2 Area and population exposed to flooding ha and No/ha Outcome-based indicators
6.15.3 Other people (workers, tourists, homeless) No/ha Outcome-based indicators
6.15.4 Elderly, children, disabled No/ha Outcome-based indicators
6.16 Population Vulnerable to Risks No/ha Outcome-based indicators
6.17 Potential buildings exposed to risks
6.17.1 Housing No. Outcome-based indicators
6.17.2 Agricultural and industrial buildings No. Outcome-based indicators
6.17.3 Strategic Buildings (Hospitals, schools, etc.) No. Outcome-based indicators
6.18 Potential infrastructures exposed to risks
6.18.1 Roads m/km2 Outcome-based indicators
6.18.2 Railways m/km2 Outcome-based indicators
6.18.3 Lifelines m/km2 Outcome-based indicators
6.19 Potential infrastructures vulnerable to risks
6.19.1 Buildings Νο/km2 Outcome-based indicators
6.19.2 Transportation infrastructures and lifelines m/km2 Outcome-based indicators
6.20 Insurance against catastrophic events % Process focused indicators
6.21 Flood hazard unitless Outcome-based indicators
6.22 Flooded area ha Outcome-based indicators
6.23 Height of flood peak and time to flood peak m3/s and h Outcome-based indicators
6.24 Peak flow rate m3/s and h Outcome-based indicators
6.25 Peak flood volume m3 Outcome-based indicators
6.26 Flood excess volume m3 Outcome-based indicators
6.27 Moisture index unitless Outcome-based indicators
6.28 Flammability index unitless Outcome-based indicators
6.29 Soil Type unitless Structural indicators
6.30 Soil strength kPa Structural indicators
6.31 Soil temperature °C Outcome-based indicators
6.32 Level of Groundwater Table m below ground surface Outcome-based indicators
6.33 Shallow landslide risk – slope stability factor of safety unitless Outcome-based indicators
6.34 Landslide safety factor unitless Outcome-based indicators
6.35 Landslide risk – History of instability on site unitless Structural indicators
6.36 Occurred landslide area % Structural indicators
6.37 Landslide risk – Digital elevation/terrain modelling % Outcome-based indicators
6.38 Soil mass movement kg/ha Outcome-based indicators
6.39 Velocity of occurred landslide m/s Outcome-based indicators
6.40 Erosion risk m3/year Outcome-based indicators
6.41 Total Predicted Soil Loss t/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
6.42 Days with temperature >90th percentile (TX90p) % Outcome-based indicators
6.43 Warm spell duration index unitless Outcome-based indicators
6.44 Heatwave incidence No./y Outcome-based indicators
6.45 Human comfort: Universal thermal climate index °C Outcome-based indicators
6.46 Human comfort: Physiological equivalent temperature °C Outcome-based indicators
6.47 Mean or peak daytime temperature – Predicted Mean Vote - Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied unitless Outcome-based indicators
6.48 Urban Heat Island (UHI) incidence °C Outcome-based indicators
6.49 Effective drought index unitless Outcome-based indicators
6.50 Standardized Precipitation Index unitless Structural indicators
6.51 Quantitative status of groundwater Good or Poor Outcome-based indicators
6.52 Trend in piezometric levels (TPL) m3/y Outcome-based indicators
6.53 Groundwater exploitation index % Outcome-based indicators
6.54 Calculated drinking water provision m3/ha/y Outcome-based indicators
6.55 Water Exploitation Index % Outcome-based indicators
6.56 Net surface water availability m3/y Outcome-based indicators
6.57 Water availability for irrigation purposes m3/y Outcome-based indicators
6.58 Avalanche Risk: Snow cover map unitless Structural 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 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
17.1 Openness of participatory processes
17.1.1 Openness of participatory processes: proportion of citizens involved % Process focused
17.2 Sense of empowerment: perceived control and influence over decision-making Outcome-based indicators
17.3 Adoption of new forms of participatory governance: Public-private partnerships activated No. Outcome-based indicators
17.4 Policy learning for mainstreaming NBS: Number of new policies instituted No. Structural indicators
17.5 Trust in decision-making procedure and decision-makers Number (1-5) Outcome-based indicators

Additional Indicators Units Class
18.1 Community involvement in planning
18.1.1 Citizen involvement in co-creation/co-design of NBS No. Process focused
18.1.2 Stakeholder involvement in co-creation/co-design of NBS No. Process focused
18.2 Community involvement in implementation Number (0-5) Process focused
18.3 Involvement of citizens from traditionally under-represented groups Number (0-5) Process focused
18.4 Active engagement of citizens in decision-making % Process focused
18.5 Consciousness of citizenship Number (0-5) Outcome-based indicators
18.6 Number of governance innovations adopted Number (0-5) Structural indicators
18.7 Adoption of new forms of NBS (co-)financing Number (0-5) Outcome-based indicators
18.8 Development of a climate resilience strategy (extent) Number (0-7) Outcome-based indicators
18.9 Alignment of climate resilience strategy with UNISDR-defined elements Number (0-5) across 117 categories Outcome-based indicators
18.10 Adaptation of local plans and regulations to include NBS Number (0-5) Outcome-based indicators
18.11 Perceived ease of governance of NBS Number (0-5) Outcome-based indicators
18.12 Diversity of stakeholders involved % Process focused
18.13 Transparency of co-production Number (1-5) Process focused
18.14 Activation of public-private collaboration No. Outcome-based indicators
18.15 Reflexivity: identified learning outcomes No. Process focused
18.16 Facilitation skills for co-production Number (1-5) Process focused
18.17 Procedural fairness Number (1-5) Process focused
18.18 Strategic alignment Number (1-5) Process focused
18.19 Reflexivity: time for reflection No. Process focused
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

Ecosystem Services


Ecosystem Service Categories
  • Food, crops, wild foods and spices
  • Water
Ecosystem Service Categories
  • Erosion prevention
  • Flood protection
  • Maintaining populations and habitats
Ecosystem Service Categories
  • Recreation
  • Intellectual and aesthetic appreciation

Real case example of applied NBS

There are no available real case examples at the moment