Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.tmpg4f5ff

Description of the data and file structure

This dataset "Data_availability.xlsx" supports a study analysing how nature-based solutions (NBS) are defined across academic literature and practitioner perspectives. The study aims to explore conceptual diversity in the definition of NbS and identify dominant narratives across different knowledge domains. It compiles definitions from a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with participants involved in the European CLEVER Cities project. The dataset enables the comparison of conceptual approaches across academic and practical contexts.

Analytical framework:

Definitions in this dataset are classified according to four analytical perspectives identified in the study:

1. Eco-technocratic perspective: focuses on ecological processes, ecosystem services, and the use of nature-based solutions as efficient alternatives or complements to grey infrastructure.

2. Holistic perspective: emphasises the integration of environmental, social, and economic dimensions, highlighting multifunctionality and co-benefits.

3. Anthropocentric perspective: focuses on human well-being, equity, and environmental justice, including participation, governance, and distributional impacts.

4. Biocentric perspective: prioritises ecological integrity, biodiversity conservation, and the intrinsic value of nature, independent of human utility.

Methodological note:

Definitions from academic sources were collected through a systematic literature review. Definitions from practice were obtained through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in the CLEVER Cities project from different case study cities.

Files and variables

The dataset is provided as an Excel (.xlsx) file with three sheets:

1. Sheet: “Articles”

This sheet contains the academic publications included in the literature review.

Variables:

• Reference: full bibliographic reference of the article.

• Short reference: abbreviated reference used for internal identification.

• Review: indicates whether the article is a review.

• Year: year of publication.

• Definition: definition of nature-based solutions extracted from the article.

• Page: page number where the definition appears.

• General methodology: type of methodology used in the study.

• Specific methodology: detailed methodological approach.

• Case study: geographical or empirical context of the study.

• Keywords: keywords associated with the article.

2. Sheet: “Definitions in academia”

This sheet compiles definitions of NBS from academic sources and provides their analytical interpretation.

Variables:

• Reference: bibliographic reference of the source.

• Definition: definition of NBS.

• Author’s classification: classification of the definition according to the four analytical perspectives.

• Key conclusion about definition: summary of the conceptual interpretation.

• EC’s definition: indicates whether the definition aligns with the European Commission framework.

• IUCN’s definition: indicates whether the definition aligns with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature framework.

• UNEP’s definition: indicates whether the definition aligns with the United Nations Environment Programme framework.

3. Sheet: “Definitions in CleverCities”

This sheet contains definitions of NBS provided by interviewees involved in the CLEVER Cities project.

Variables:

• Interviewee: anonymised identifier of the participant.

• Team: role or case study affiliation (Hamburg, London, Milan, or project coordination).

• Definition of NbS: definition provided by the interviewee.

• Author’s classification: classification according to the four analytical perspectives.

Abbreviations:

• NBS: Nature-based Solutions

• EC: European Commission

• IUCN: International Union for the Conservation of Nature

• UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme

• GI: Green infrastructure

• SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

• DRR: Disaster Risk Reduction

• EU: European Union

• ES: Ecosystem services

• EbA: Ecosystem-based adaptation

• Eco-DRR: Ecosystem based Disaster Risk Reduction

Code/software

The data are provided in Excel format (.xlsx) and can be accessed using standard spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or equivalent programs. No additional software or code is required.

Copyright and licensing:

All data included in this dataset are original or have been processed and reformulated by the authors to comply with the CC0 waiver required by Dryad. No copyrighted material from other sources is included in its original form.

Access information

Not applicable. The dataset is original and was compiled by the authors based on a literature review and interview data. It is not derived from external datasets and is not available in other public repositories.

Human subjects data

All interview participants provided informed consent for their contributions to be used for research and publication purposes. The dataset has been fully anonymized prior to sharing: all personal identifiers have been removed, and interviewees are referred to using generic labels. No personally identifiable information is included in the dataset.