Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are becoming increasingly essential in cities for addressing climate challenges such as heat stress and flood risk. Moreover, they are also expected to deliver social, economic and biodiversity benefits. However, despite their increasing implementation, there is limited understanding of how different stakeholders interpret NbS. Moreover, although justice is gaining prominence in NbS literature, there is an existing research gap on how various understandings of NbS influence the inclusion or exclusion of justice considerations in practice.
This paper examines how urban actors perceive and interpret NbS, and how these interpretations relate to the concept of justice. We conduct a qualitative case study in Ghent, Belgium. We draw on semi-structured interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from the city administration, the private sector, civil society and academia. These insights are supplemented by document analysis of policy plans, media reports, blog posts and academic literature. Using discourse analysis, we identify four key discourses on NbS in Ghent: the ‘economic’, ‘pragmatic’ discourse, ‘socio-ecological’ discourse and ‘systemic change’ discourse.
Findings reveal a broad agreement on the value of NbS. However, the meanings and priorities attached to them differ across actor groups and institutional settings. This study highlights how discourses shape the governance of urban nature and the operationalisation of justice. By uncovering these dynamics, the paper contributes to ongoing discussions on inclusive urban transitions. It emphasises the need to critically engage with competing visions and narratives to foster more just and transformative urban futures.
