Invitation to tender for a project on socio-economic benefits of nature-based solutions in relation to the rise in sea levels, storm surges, and extreme rainfall

Climate adaptation to limit the damage caused by climate change is highly topical in the Nordic countries right now. In recent years, floods caused by storms and rain have led to significant flooding and economic losses in the Nordic countries. Climate adaptation solutions that manage water can require large areas. At the same time, there are many competing purposes for the land. Examples beyond climate adaptation include food production, the transition to green energy, urban growth, biodiversity, and recreation. To facilitate sustainable land use, nature-based solutions (NBS) which mitigate the consequences of floods, have received significant attention. A challenge in conducting socio-economic impact assessments of nature-based solutions is that these solutions come with benefits or values that aren’t traded in any market, which is why they don’t have a market price. These can include natural values, biodiversity, recreational values, and the uptake of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. NBS can provide greater benefits than traditional solutions without the risk of being included in socio-economic analyses, which can lead to an underestimation of the benefits of NBS compared to traditional solutions. That’s why there is a need to map out and evaluate the non-monetary benefits, so that NBS can be assessed on a par with more traditional solutions.

The aim of the project is to:

1. Identify benefits, such as those related to biodiversity, which arise in connection with nature-based solutions for various types of climate adaptation issues in the Nordic countries, and identify how these benefits have been or can be valued 
2. Calculate the ratio between costs and benefits with and without the inclusion of benefits that aren’t traded in any market, using examples of nature-based solutions, to highlight the importance of non-market benefits. A socio-economic analysis including costs and benefits both on and off the market is the starting point for the evaluation.
3. Discuss the possibility of so-called benefit transfer of quantified gains between the Nordic countries, and whether nature-based solutions that have worked in one country can be transferred to other geographic areas. Costs and benefits can vary greatly between countries. Should this be taken into account?

The budget for the project is DKK 400,000. VAT is included in the budget. The budget framework is to cover standard project expenses and any travel costs and expenses related to outreach work presenting the findings.

NME at the Nordic Council of Ministers must receive tenders no later than 2 July 2024, at 15:00 CET. All documents must be submitted by this deadline. Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration. A decision will be made in early July, and all applicants will be informed of it. The date for reporting and the final report will be set in the project contract.

Applications must be e-mailed to NME’s administrative body (registratur.sodraosterbotten@ntm-centralen.fi). The project description/application form and compulsory budget schedule must all be in one of the Nordic languages or English. Applications must cite the journal number EPOELY/1452/2024

Link to budget form:

Link to the invitation to tender:

Attach as separate files the appendices describing in greater detail the factors NME takes into consideration, e.g. an independent project description and CVs.

In assessing submissions, emphasis will be placed on: 

• The project plan – presentation and planning of the work involved
• Methodology and how relevant data and information will be collected and processed
• Competencies, qualifications, and allocation of responsibilities between those involved in the project
• Costs per person for the proposed project period, including hourly rates (and other expenses)
• Relevant testimonials
• The Nordic contacts and networks that will be used in the project plus details of proficiency in the Nordic languages
• Timetable
• Plans to communicate the project findings 

As per the Nordic Council of Ministers’ funding scheme, the project must be of benefit to the Nordic Region and include participants from at least three of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland. 

Further information about funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers is available here: 

NME will select the tenderers based on their assessments of the applications. However, the working group reserves the right to reject all applications. 

For further information about project content and funding requirements, please refer to the appendices: