Causal Loop Diagrams for supporting Nature Based Solutions participatory design and performance assessment

The contribution of Nature Based Solutions (NBSs) for supporting climate change adaptation and water-related risks reduction is becoming increasingly relevant policy decision-makers, compared to ‘grey infrastructures’, thanks their capability jointly deal with a multiplicity societal environmental challenges, producing several co-benefits besides limiting the impacts risks. Nevertheless, mainstreaming still limited by barriers, which are often related socio-institutional (e.g. cooperation stakeholders' involvement, awareness about NBSs impacts) rather than technical aspects. In this context, innovative tools planning, design, implementation assessment required, along effective processes capable participation. present research aims propose shift in approach based on early involvement identification, modelling performance terms benefits and, particularly, production. A multi-step methodology was implemented purpose, combining both individual participatory activities. Reference made one case studies NAIAD project, namely Balta Potelu Pond Area (Lower Danube, Romania). Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) were used describe system causal connections mutual influences, incorporating views ideas. Inputs from institutional ministries municipalities) non-institutional stakeholders NGOs members local communities) integrated. This allowed comparative multiple NBSs, analysis produced, as well identification trade-offs among different increase agricultural production versus biodiversity conservation) potential side effects. CLDs then coupled Performance Matrix (a basic feature Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis) fuzzy logic help decision-makers identify most suitable area. whole process aimed at facilitating selection analysis, while considering associated implementation.