Product content
A decision tree that gives applicants a path for which funding sources and resources they can consider for their NBS initiative. The roadmap is based on a set of questions for Life-Labs to answer, and links initiatives with funding sources categories and resources/ tools. Tested on 2 Life-Labs in CONEXUS (one CELAC, one EU). The roadmap structures existing knowledge and shares it between the Life-Labs, assisting them to sort through the information available. Three components:
A. Decision tree for an NBS initiatives: A set of approx. 5-8 questions for Life-labs (applicants) to answer. Each question includes a long list of options and alternatives for applicants to check.
B. Resource bank: resources, tools, relevant literature, guides and funding sources (databases and categories rather than specific calls). These are mostly existing resources which we gather into a bank. The guides will need to be developed for more summarised information.
C. Tagging system linking components A and B: A system to link initiatives and funding/ resources.
Intended impact
- Assist Life-Labs to scale up and realise their initiatives, linking the questions and issues of Life-Labs with existing knowledge within the consortium.
- Support Life Labs in creating stronger business cases.
- The tool aims to address the gap between existing funding mechanisms and the challenges and opportunities for NBS fund seekers.
Conexus deliverables, milestones & workstream
M6.2, feedback loop to task 5.3, D6.2, WP6 Co-Learning Forums, WP3-WP6 Life Lab exchanges.
Target audience
Life Labs in CONEXUS, fund seekers for urban NBS initiatives
Potential challenges
- Based on existing knowledge of consortium, not wider approach at this time. T6.2 facilitates knowledge from WP5 and Life-Labs and structures it into a roadmap. T6.2 does not hold specific expertise in the area. Tagging system in particular, may need additional expertise and input.
- We see this milestone as a structure/ solid base formed on the learnings of the consortium so far, to be further developed and adjusted over the second half of the CONEXUS project.
- The tools is based on existing structures of knowledge, definitions of NBS terminology and published research, may reinforce a euro-centric framework. T6.2 will review the tool more closely against Guiding Principles of co-learning before submission.
- Funding the right balance to make it of use. The roadmap should be general enough that it should be able to be applied to different contexts (with some adjustments), but instructive enough for practical use at the local and regional level.
- Funding sources change over time. Including specific grants and other concrete fund sources requires long-term maintenance.
WPs involved and expertise needed
Co-learning is promoted between WP5 expertise and context-based experiences and other knowledge systems in the Life-Labs. Expertise needed: Online quiz/ survey development.