Understanding stakeholder preferences for the spatial and temporal distribution of nature-based solution benefits in cities

Stakeholder preferences regarding the spatial and temporal distribution of nature-based solutions (NBS) -namely, the size of the intervention and how its benefits are distributed across space and time-remain largely unexplored in the current literature. This study investigates these preferences and their underlying motivations through ten semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders in the Municipality of Trento. A thematic analysis was conducted to explore the drivers behind preferences for implementing a single large versus several small, distributed NBS, as well as for NBS that deliver benefits in the short-term (within one year) compared to those offering a broader range of benefits over the long-term (6–10 years). Single large NBS was valued for its environmental and socio-cultural impact, while several small interventions were generally preferred due to their accessibility, adaptability, and perceived fairness in benefit distribution. Notably, most stakeholders maintained their preference for several small NBS even after being informed that a single large NBS could generate a higher overall volume of benefits. Long-term NBS were appreciated for their ecological impacts, while short-term interventions were favored for their immediate visibility and greater public support. These findings underscore the importance of explicitly considering both the spatial and temporal distribution of NBS benefits in planning processes.