CONFERENCE: Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as infrastructure – lessons learnt from Europe and sustainable financing

In April 2025, DG INTPA F2 - Environment, Sustainable Natural Resources - hosted a conference on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as infrastructure – lessons learnt from Europe and sustainable financing.

During the conference the findings of the recently finalised report “Unlocking Investments in Nature-based Solutions in our International Cooperation”, produced by four European Commission colleagues from various Directorate Generals in the context of the Junior Professional Programme, were presented and discussed.

The report looks at existing challenges in implementing NbS (notably related to knowledge, governance and finance) and offers best practices and lessons learnt from successful NbS projects throughout Europe.

The conference also highlighted several financing instruments, such as payment for ecosystem services—embedded, for instance, in a water fund—and their potential to unlock NbS project financing. Case studies were presented to illustrate these mechanisms, followed by discussions on their replicability, scalability, and relevance to the EU’s international partnerships and the Global Gateway Investment Agenda.

Conference presentations and videos:

📥Unlocking investments in nature-based solutions in our international cooperation.

📥Case studies and lessons learned in financing nature-based solutions.