I want my street to be green, but not in just any way: exploring public preferences for nature-based solutions in two Czech cities

Abstract

Cities are increasingly adopting nature-based solutions (NBS) to address urban challenges and improve residents' quality of life. Despite this growing interest, significant barriers remain, including limited public support, participation, and challenges in quantifying their economic value. This study explored public preferences for 15 types of NBS in two Czech cities, focusing on both aesthetic perceptions and economic valuation. Data were collected through assisted interviews on-site, with respondents in Prague (n = 205) and Litoměřice (n = 185). Using an image-assisted questionnaire survey, aesthetic preferences were assessed, followed by contingent valuation (CVM) and choice experiment (CE) methods to determine willingness to pay (WTP) for implementing NBS in urban streets. CVM findings revealed that residents were willing to pay an additional €39–52 per month for street greenery, equivalent to a 12–17% rent increase. However, while respondents generally appreciated NBS aesthetically and expressed positive WTP for greener streets, CE results showed significant variation depending on the type of NBS. Specifically, respondents were willing to pay only for grass strips and green façades, while solutions like green paving, permeable pavers, flower beds, and green roofs required compensation. This study underscores the gap between aesthetic appreciation and financial commitment to different NBS, providing novel insights into public preferences for less commonly studied solutions and informing future urban greening strategies.