Nature Based Solutions - Implementation Models Database
Implementation model
Gewildgroei and Living Pavement
A short description of the NBS project
At the moment, the government in the Netherlands spends a relatively large amount of time and money on removing weeds and maintaining planted vegetation. At the same time the use of pesticides is forbidden in the city. Gewildgroei (‘desired weeds’) is an initiative that seeks to increase the appreciation of weeds and plants that grow spontaneously in urban areas. It is initiated by two brothers with the aim at changing the reputation of these weeds by calling them ‘desirable wild vegetation’. Another aim of the project is to create awareness amongst municipalities concerning the value of weeds. The initiators argue that we need to cooperate with, rather than against nature. An increase of vegetation in urban areas has a positive effect on 1, it decreases the flooding risk and heat island effects and will improve air quality, increasing the quality of living in urban areas.
The initiators also have a company ‘Living Pavement’ by which they fund their campaigning activities. Living Pavement sells permeable tiles that permit the spontaneous growth of vegetation. Citizens can become ambassadors of Gewildgroei when they buy paving stones. Some municipalities buy large quantities to implement them in public areas. A source of income for the foundation are funds. The foundation has got a broad range of partners, including municipalities, NGO’s, foundations, funds, private companies, researchers and housing corporations.
NBS Implementation context
Location
Netherlands, The Netherlands
Latitude
Longitude
Status
Project delivered (2013-2017)
Dates
Description of the NBS
NBS Scale
object (building, etc.)
NBS Impacts scale
• Object (streets, etc.)
• Neighbourhood
• City
Urban density/ Soil consumption
• High (dense city center, etc.)
• Medium
Combined with other(s) environmental friendly solution(s)?
Market
• Private sector
• Social enterprises/social entrepreneurs
Contracting Authority
Project manager (leader and main partners): entities names, and know-how involved
Who (else) was involved in the project ? (Inhabitants, local association, etc.)
More detail on the process and the role of the different stakeholders (How did it happen?)
OPTIONAL Considering the actual impacts, who are the primary beneficiaries of the project.
Cluster
Governance Model
Description
cluster5_network_governance
Collaborative_governance
The initiative is supported by funds and sells paving stones that permit the spontaneous vegetation to grow in order to finance their projects. Citizens can become ambassadors of Gewildgroei when they buy paving stones.
Financing
Global Estimated cost of the project
-
Cluster
Funds provided by non-governmental organization
CLUSTER 3: Citizen inclusion
FM
• Volunteering
Description of the financing mechanism
The initiative is supported by funds and sells paving stones that permit the spontaneous vegetation to grow in order to finance their projects. Citizens can become ambassadors of Gewildgroei when they buy paving stones.
Business Model
Class
Type
Description
-
Temporal Factor
Expected time for the NBS to be fully effective after its implementation
Expected life time of the intervention
Already feedbacks on the project? In case, the project has already been adapted to new requisites, please explain the modifications brought
Success and limiting factors
Process Enablers
Class
Subclass
Type
Description
Knowledge_drivers
Generation of evidence
Awareness
• Lesson learnt through implemented projects
• Research on benefits;
• NBS ambassadors
-
Governance_drivers
Self- governance
• Grassroots innovations and transition initiatives
Process Inhibitors
Class
Subclass
Type
Description
Knowledge_drivers
-
Governance_drivers
Institutional barriers
• Lack of flexibility of decision making structures
What makes this project a pioneer?
Field
Criteria
Brief description of the innovativeness
Has the project received a prize, an award?
Has the project received a media coverage? (in reviews, in press, etc.)