This study analyses public preferences and willingness to pay for different types of nature-based solutions in urban streets.

Abstract: Cities are increasingly adopting nature-based solutions (NBS) to address urban challenges and improve residents’ quality of life. Despite this growing interest, significant barriers remain, including limited public support, participation, and challenges in quantifying their economic value. This study explored public preferences for 15 types of NBS in two Czech cities, focusing on both aesthetic perceptions and economic valuation. Data were collected through assisted interviews on-site, with respondents in Prague (n = 205) and Litoměřice (n = 185). Using an image-assisted questionnaire survey, aesthetic preferences were assessed, followed by contingent valuation (CVM) and choice experiment (CE) methods to determine willingness to pay (WTP) for implementing NBS in urban streets. CVM findings revealed that residents were willing to pay an additional €39–52 per month for street greenery, equivalent to a 12–17% rent increase. However, while respondents generally appreciated NBS aesthetically and expressed positive WTP for greener streets, CE results showed significant variation depending on the type of NBS. Specifically, respondents were willing to pay only for grass strips and green façades, while solutions like green paving, permeable pavers, flower beds, and green roofs required compensation. This study underscores the gap between aesthetic appreciation and financial commitment to different NBS, providing novel insights into public preferences for less commonly studied solutions and informing future urban greening strategies.

Citation: Macháč, J., Hekrle, M., Brabec, J. (2025). I want my street to be green, but not in just any way: exploring public preferences for nature-based solutions in two Czech cities. Local Environment, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2025.2543311

Download↓ I want my street to be green, but not in just any way: exploring public preferences for nature – based solutions in two Czech cities

A study from three European countries reveals why both experts and the public still prefer grey flood measures over green solutions.

Abstract: Climate change is expected to affect the frequency and magnitude of floods, which are among the costliest hazards in Europe. As natural hazards have a significant impact on infrastructure and people’s lives and their habitats, novel measures to cope with climate change need to be considered. Different types of measures, such as green, grey and hybrid solutions, can be used to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. Green measures (also referred to as nature-based solutions) are currently being promoted in the European Union, but several barriers to implementing these measures exist. The question arises as to what hinders the wider implementation of green measures and therefore results in a preference for conventional grey measures in some countries. This study examines the differences in the perceived effectiveness, feasibility and acceptance of different types of flood risk management measures in three European countries (Slovenia, Czechia, and the Netherlands). The results show statistically significant differences in the perceived effectiveness, feasibility and acceptance of the studied measures. With respect to individual measures, respondents in all three countries tend to view conventional grey measures (dams and cisterns) as more effective and acceptable than green and hybrid measures. However, grey measures are perceived as difficult to implement. The results reveal that the perceived effectiveness and acceptability of the measures are related. The major drivers affecting the differences in the perceptions of different measures are the countries of the respondents and the sociodemographic variables of income and age. In contrast to other studies, experiences with past floods and private insurance are not statistically significant. Our results thus indicate that, along with individual behaviour, aggregate social drivers should be considered when implementing flood risk management measures across the EU.

Citation: Bezak, N., Raška, P., Macháč, J., Louda, J., Zupanc, V., Slavíková, L. (2024). Investigating the public perception of green, hybrid and grey flood risk management measures in Europe. Progress in Disaster Science, 23, 100360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdisas.2024.100360

Download: ↓ Investigating the public perception of green, hybrid and grey flood risk management measures in Europe

An article based on a survey of farmers examines the factors that can be used to identify landowners who are more willing to cooperate in coordinated flood protection.

Abstract: Flooding poses a significant and recurring threat in numerous regions. The adverse impacts of flooding can be mitigated through risk sharing, such as insurance or risk reduction. However, insurance might not be accessible in underdeveloped markets or in instances where floods are too frequent. Similarly, the necessary funding or land for structural measures might not be available. Alternatively, measures could be implemented on private land, either through individual initiatives or as part of a coordinated effort. This approach was explored in the flood-prone regions of Albania and North Macedonia. A survey conducted among 124 farmers revealed that 73% of them are willing to allocate land for flood mitigation, provided they receive adequate compensation. Furthermore, certain factors increase farmers’ willingness to cooperate. A logit model indicated a positive correlation between expectations of future floods (increased severity and frequency), receipt of ex-ante financial support, positive perception of the effectiveness of agricultural flood mitigation measures, and age. Those who view flood protection as personal responsibility and those more inclined to pay for flood insurance are less likely to cooperate. The findings could be utilized to identify farmers who are likely to contribute to establishing a coordinated effort on a stable basis.

Citation: Brabec, J., Macháč, J., Kis, A., Ungvári, G. (2024). Factors influencing farmers’ willingness to provide private land for a coordinated flood mitigation scheme in the Drin basin. Journal of Flood Risk Management. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfr3.13027

Download: ↓ Factors influencing farmers’ willingness to provide private land for a coordinated flood mitigation scheme in the Drin basin

This article explores how children from Generation Z perceive the attractiveness of nature-based solutions and which ecosystem services they value most.

Abstract: Current studies on nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban areas often overlook young people, who are essential users of urban spaces. Our study from the Czech Republic fills this gap by investigating how children (Generation Z, 11–15 years) perceive 12 NBS and 3 grey infrastructure measures and their ecosystem services (ES). Results from an image-based questionnaire survey indicate that water features, trees and flower beds are the most attractive for spending leisure time, while most other features were perceived as relatively unattractive by the children surveyed. In addition, the results highlight oxygen production as the most valued service by children, followed by biodiversity support and aesthetic function. This study emphasises the need for inclusive management of NBS and recognises the role of multiple stakeholders, including children, in creating attractive urban spaces.

Citation: Hekrle, M., Drdla, J. (2024). Talking to the young generation: perception of nature-based solutions’ attractiveness by children from Generation Z. Local Environment, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2024.2407608

Download: ↓ Talking to the young generation: perception of nature-based solutions’ attractiveness by children from Generation Z

This article compares different cost–benefit analysis (CBA) approaches to assess the economic value of real green roof projects.

Download: ↓ Evaluating Importance of Community Gardens in Times of Calm and Crisis: From Relaxation to Food Self-Provisioning