Nature-Based Solutions Database Round-Up

The widespread popularization of nature-based solutions (NbS) is a testament to the body of knowledge built over decades to make the case for the effectiveness of built and natural landscapes – before the term “nature-based solutions” was even coined.

Nature-based solutions can be defined as infrastructure that “uses, restores, or emulates natural ecological processes” (Army Corps). Examples include many of the sustainable solutions presented in the Landscape Performance Series such as wetlands, green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, tree canopies, and much more. The performance of NbS is often evaluated in contrast to traditional grey infrastructure in terms of benefits and co-benefits like stormwater management, flood protection, carbon sequestration, air quality, human health and well-being, and more. NbS can also be evaluated through cost-benefit analyses; several recent studies have found that NbS are more cost-effective than traditional grey infrastructure.  

This roundup of databases focused on the measurable benefits and effectiveness of NbS is presented as a resource for anyone seeking to make the case for NbS with rigorous research backing. Recent years have seen significant efforts by international organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies to collect, analyze, and convey research findings that can inform ongoing innovation and communicate the value of NbS, including the resources below. Of course, much remains to be learned – which is why one of the recommended platforms offers a separate database of knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research.

Nature-based Solutions Evidence Platform
Conservation International; Nature-based Solutions Initiative; University of Oxford
This interactive database of published research compiles peer-reviewed evidence on the effectiveness of a wide range of NbS throughout the world. Content can be viewed in map, list, or article form and can be filtered by criteria like type of NbS or ecosystem. Importantly, research included in the database can be filtered for reported effects on climate change impacts as well as social and ecological outcomes. For example, when searching for a given NbS type, the web interface displays totals for how many studies in the database reported positive, mixed, negative, or unclear outcomes for the specified NbS. Abstracts from published research are provided for reference, and a separate category reports outcomes from simulated or scenario modeling studies. The transparent, rigorous presentation of NbS research through a user-friendly interface makes this one of the most effective databases for NbS performance.  

Naturebase
Nature4Climate
This interactive platform utilizes climate data to present nature-based projects that have high carbon mitigation impact while simultaneously supporting ecosystem benefits and human livelihoods. Included projects have been selected because they are nature-based, sustainable, climate additional, equitable, and (importantly) measurable. Naturebase is navigated using a map that can be filtered by 20 natural climate solutions “pathways” that are based on ecosystem types (including forests, croplands grasslands, wetland) as well as management, restoration, and protection actions. The platform generates quantified estimates of the benefits that could be offered if pathways were implemented within a user-specified geographic area, including carbon sequestration potential as well as co-benefits across a wide range of environmental, social, and economic categories.

The NBS Knowledge Database
NetworkNature
This resource compiles research, policy, projects, and market-based tools. While the resources included do not exclusively focus on performance evaluation, outcomes-focused results can be accessed by filtering by resource type, theme, region, or societal challenge of interest and searching for a phrase like “effectiveness” or “performance.” Importantly, it is accompanied by the Nature-based Solutions Knowledge Gaps database, which draws from published research that suggests needed future avenues for additional research on NbS.

The Nature-Based Solutions Database
Equator Initiative
This international development-focused database, which is mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, offers information on over 2,000 “nature-based actions” around the world alongside quantified environmental and sustainable development impacts. It can be filtered by nature element and location, among other criteria. While this database isn’t specifically focused on measured performance, it does include an outcomes section for all projects; however, the reported outcomes are user-submitted and not necessarily peer-reviewed.

And of course, this very website, the Landscape Performance Series by the Landscape Architecture Foundation, offers a wide range of case studies from exemplary landscape projects with quantified benefits as well as Fast Facts with published research on NbS. Use the search function and explore the range of filters to narrow down specific NbS of interest among LPS content.

Note: This list is current as of spring 2025. It is not intended to be comprehensive and will not be updated.