Invest4Nature Project Concluded European Research
The four-year Horizon Europe initiative successfully bridged the funding gap for nature-based infrastructure.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Environmental
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The Horizon Europe project Invest4Nature finished its research mandate in September 2026 after four years of operation. The project consortium of 15 partners across 11 European countries analyzed the economic viability of nature-based solutions.
Why it matters
Nature-based solutions often struggle to secure funding compared to traditional infrastructure because many of their economic and environmental benefits remain uncaptured. This research aims to provide the evidence database and tools necessary for stakeholders to better justify and secure capital for these projects.
Case studies showed varied financial results, including a €4.15 return for every €1 invested in Aarhus and a 43% reduction in annual flood damage in Cascais. In Poznań, the project transformed 4.05 hectares of schoolyards across nine sites.
The players
Invest4Nature
This was a Horizon Europe project designed to research and improve the economic and practical application of nature-based solutions.
Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
This organization managed the communication and financial coordination for the Invest4Nature consortium.
The details
The project developed a Decision Support Toolbox and a comprehensive evidence database to assist stakeholders. Partners translated complex research into practical policy briefs and a final booklet titled From Nature-based Solutions to Investable Practice.
Timeline
The Invest4Nature project began in July 2022.
The project concluded in September 2026.
Deeper Dive
The Invest4Nature project followed the strategic research objectives established by the Horizon Europe framework program. This initiative represents a targeted execution of the broader EU-wide goals for integrating climate resilience into regional economic planning.
The Decision Support Toolbox and evidence database provide urban planners and local governments with new frameworks to justify green infrastructure spending. These resources help secure funding for regional projects that can reduce flood risks and improve school environments.
The takeaway
Nature-based infrastructure can provide significant economic returns that rival conventional construction when benefits like flood mitigation are accurately measured. Local authorities should utilize the new Decision Support Toolbox to better quantify these long-term fiscal advantages.
Further reading
For more information on current ecological research initiatives, visit the Environmental section.
More information
Read the full Booklet on nature-based investment practices for detailed implementation guidelines.
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Should local governments prioritize nature-based solutions over traditional infrastructure for climate resilience?
