How do cities build partnerships for nature-based solutions? An exploratory study of the city of Ghent (BE) and Heerlen (NL).

Cities around the globe face important challenges to adapt to climate change. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are defined as “actions inspired by, supported by, or copied from nature (…)” (European Commission, 2015, p. 24). They are considered a promising strategy to tackle climate change challenges. Hence, NBS are increasingly translated into urban planning procedures. The overarching assumption, based on literature review, states that effective implementation of NBS requires urban partnerships and governance configurations, including city administrations, non-profit organizations, businesses, academia, and citizens. However, very little is known about what these partnerships for NBS look like, let alone what their impact is. Hence, we have no good understanding of the general conditions which influence what partnerships in an urban context look like. This study, situated in the cities of Ghent (Belgium) and Heerlen (the Netherlands), explores the governance configurations for effective NBS implementation, specifically addressing the urban heat island effect. Focusing on collaborative governance efforts across sectors and institutions, the research sheds light on the complex governance dynamics necessary for successful NBS and climate policy initiatives in urban contexts. Drawing on the Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance proposed by Emerson, Nabatchi & Balogh (2011), our research takes a holistic approach to explain the system context and drivers influencing partnership dynamics. By applying this framework, we also contribute to the broader network and collaborative governance literature, highlighting the significance of governance structures in addressing climate challenges. Cities like Ghent and Heerlen, experiencing increasing levels of heat stress, are driven to develop and implement NBS policies, such as green roofs, green walls and urban forests. By exploring the partnership configurations for effective NBS implementation, this study addresses the following overarching research question: what are the governance arrangements for successful NBS implementation in Heerlen and Ghent, and how do they function?”. Methodologically, the study draws on desk research, document analysis of publicly available documentation and online data and a set of qualitative interviews with city officials, as well as external actors (e.g. societal actors, business interests). The results of the analysis show that differences in the partnership dynamics between Ghent and Heerlen exist. However, similarities exist in the influencing factors shaping these dynamics. Key factors include the levels of conflict or trust within the partnerships, the existing policy and legal frameworks, and the leadership role assumed by the cities. To conclude, this study thus offers insights into the complexities and challenges of achieving NBS through governance structures. This research aims not only to advance our understanding of NBS but also contribute valuable insights into the broader discourse on urban governance for climate and energy transitions. European Commission (2015). Towards an EU research and innovation policy agenda for nature based solutions & re-naturing cities : final report of the Horizon 2020 expert group on 'Nature-based solutions and re-naturing cities', Publications Office, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/479582 Emerson, K., Nabatchi, T., & Balogh, S. (2011). An Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 22(1), 1-29.https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/mur011