Exploring citizens’ preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions through participatory GIS

Abstract Temporal dynamics remain an understudied aspect of nature-based solutions (NBS) literature, particularly in relation to public preferences. This study introduces the concept of NBS temporal effectiveness, defined as the ability of NBS to provide co-benefits over short, medium, and long term...

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Main Authors: Alessia Chelli, Christopher M. Raymond, Silviya Korpilo, Davide Geneletti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:npj Urban Sustainability
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-025-00229-5
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author Alessia Chelli
Christopher M. Raymond
Silviya Korpilo
Davide Geneletti
author_facet Alessia Chelli
Christopher M. Raymond
Silviya Korpilo
Davide Geneletti
author_sort Alessia Chelli
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Temporal dynamics remain an understudied aspect of nature-based solutions (NBS) literature, particularly in relation to public preferences. This study introduces the concept of NBS temporal effectiveness, defined as the ability of NBS to provide co-benefits over short, medium, and long terms with varying intensities, as perceived by urban residents. Specifically, we investigated the potential conflicts in the temporal effectiveness in Trento, Italy, through a public participation GIS (PPGIS) approach (n = 286). Our findings reveal that the intensity and directionality of conflict change across short, medium and long-term NBS, respondent groups, and the spatial context of implementation. Contrary to the common perception that immediate solutions are always preferred, NBS with long-term effectiveness can gain significant public support, particularly when they demonstrate greater benefits than short-term alternatives. This study contributes to the NBS literature by being the first to explore the concept of temporal effectiveness and its implications for public preferences, demonstrating that considerations regarding temporalities must be made when planning NBS interventions, as conflicts may arise in relation to interventions with different temporal effectiveness.
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spelling doaj-art-bbdaf2a74f6c43baa8a558d36797c0f62025-08-20T03:45:32ZengNature Portfolionpj Urban Sustainability2661-80012025-07-015111210.1038/s42949-025-00229-5Exploring citizens’ preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions through participatory GISAlessia Chelli0Christopher M. Raymond1Silviya Korpilo2Davide Geneletti3Department of Economics and Management, University of TrentoHelsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, University of HelsinkiHelsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, University of HelsinkiDepartment Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of TrentoAbstract Temporal dynamics remain an understudied aspect of nature-based solutions (NBS) literature, particularly in relation to public preferences. This study introduces the concept of NBS temporal effectiveness, defined as the ability of NBS to provide co-benefits over short, medium, and long terms with varying intensities, as perceived by urban residents. Specifically, we investigated the potential conflicts in the temporal effectiveness in Trento, Italy, through a public participation GIS (PPGIS) approach (n = 286). Our findings reveal that the intensity and directionality of conflict change across short, medium and long-term NBS, respondent groups, and the spatial context of implementation. Contrary to the common perception that immediate solutions are always preferred, NBS with long-term effectiveness can gain significant public support, particularly when they demonstrate greater benefits than short-term alternatives. This study contributes to the NBS literature by being the first to explore the concept of temporal effectiveness and its implications for public preferences, demonstrating that considerations regarding temporalities must be made when planning NBS interventions, as conflicts may arise in relation to interventions with different temporal effectiveness.https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-025-00229-5
spellingShingle Alessia Chelli
Christopher M. Raymond
Silviya Korpilo
Davide Geneletti
Exploring citizens’ preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions through participatory GIS
npj Urban Sustainability
title Exploring citizens’ preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions through participatory GIS
title_full Exploring citizens’ preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions through participatory GIS
title_fullStr Exploring citizens’ preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions through participatory GIS
title_full_unstemmed Exploring citizens’ preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions through participatory GIS
title_short Exploring citizens’ preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature-based solutions through participatory GIS
title_sort exploring citizens preferences for the temporal effectiveness of urban nature based solutions through participatory gis
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-025-00229-5
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