A Reader’s Guide to Natural Assurance Schemes

Abstract This chapter provides a Reader’s Guide for the book based on the different elements to develop a natural assurance scheme, from its conceptual frame in this section (Sect. 2.1). The chapter is structured based on the different targeted audiences and the process of developing a natural assurance scheme (or NAS). The first section is addressed to Technical Experts and Researchers looking at the methodological assessment (physical, social and economic) needed to be undertaken to design a natural assurance scheme. These physical impacts of a NAS and the its value in monetary and non-monetary terms are outlined in Sect. 2.2 of the book. The next audience is focused on planners, business and financial experts integrating the natural assurance schemes into the planning framework that guides the logic and sequence to ensure the adoption and implementation of natural assurance schemes, the development of viable business models and financial arrangements. All these paves the way on how these NAS can be turned into NBS strategies to be fully developed and implemented as bankable projects (as outlined in Sect. 2.3 of the book). Finally practitioners and others can learn from the implementation of the methodology in 9 case studies across Europe at different scales addressing a range of water hazards (Sect. 2.4 of the book). The final section is particularly suitable for policy makers, insurers and others drawing on lessons learnt, key findings, and recommendations. and transferability to other locations (Sect. 2.5). Thus this Reader’s guide places special emphasis on the perspective and interest of the different readers, guiding them by summarising and outlining what sections and parts of the book might be of more interest and relevance.