Introducing the Nature Based Solutions Institute
In 2020, Johan Östberg and Cecil Konijnendijk founded the Nature Based Solutions Institute (NBSI), resulting from a strong wish to support the greening of cities with the best available knowledge and practice.
Nature-based solutions, ranging from planting a single tree to development of green infrastructure for an entire city or urban region, are needed to tackle the grand challenges human society is facing. They are natural solutions to urban problems.
NBSI strives to be an internationally recognized institute for research, development, training, and policy advice within the fields of urban forestry and nature-based solutions.
When engaging in programs and projects of different scope and scale, NBSI can draw upon a global network of experts in the fields of nature-based solutions, urban forestry, and green infrastructure development.
We have introduced the 3+30+300 principle for developing urban forests and creating greener and healthier cities. This guideline strives for everybody being be able to see at least 3 large trees from their home, live in a neighbourhood with no less than 30% tree canopy (or vegetation) cover, and be no more than 300 metres from the nearest public green space that allows for multiple recreational activities.
A presentation introducing the 3+30+300 principle, prepared for a webinar hosted by the UK Arboricultural Association in May 2021, can be found here. A paper that presents the rule and some of the evidence behind it is available here. Another great resource is the 3+30+300 Handbook developed within the Nordic Yggdrasil project.
