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The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) now explicitly recognizes 'good quality of life' as the core of its conceptual framework [1]. Constanza et al. [2] and Turner and Daily [3] argue that 'capital' in the widest sense of the word, i.e., human, built, social, and natural capital, is a useful framework for conceptualizing the factors that shape well-being. While we are aware that the notion of 'capital' may not suit well-being discussions in all policy contexts [4], here we follow the large body of literature that uses different forms of 'capital' beyond traditional economics (human, natural, social, built capital) in different forms as a way of describing links between people, the environment, and quality of life [5]. Large amounts of research have been conducted to develop a framework for measuring and valuing provisioning, supporting, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services (ES), and for linking this to biodiversity conservation, land use, and landscape management [6-13]. The ecosystem services framework (ESF) is based on a useful and holistic approach for analysing and comparing values and benefits associated with environments and natural resources. The ESF originated as an awareness-raising tool to illustrate

Nature-based solutions (NBS) is a term often used to refer to adequate green infrastructure that provides multiple benefits to society whilst addressing societal challenges. They are defined as actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. Malta, the smallest member state of the EU, has been characterised by rapid economic growth and urbanisation and Maltese citizens had the highest rate of exposure to pollution, grime or other environmental problems, in the EU. The project ReNature aims to establish and implement a nature-based solutions research strategy for Malta with a vision to promote research and innovation and develop sustainable solutions whilst improving human well-being and tackling environmental challenges. Here, we introduce the opening of ReNature collection of research articles in the Open Access Research Ideas and Outcomes (RIO) journal to publish unconventional research outputs and training materials. It will host key outputs relating to the sustainable use of biodiversity, biodiversity – ecosystem functioning, green infrastructure and ecosystem service assessments across rural-urban gradients, equitable access to the benefits derived from nature in cities and socio-environmental justice, payments for ecosystem services, and designing nature-based solutions.

TOMAŠKIN JÁN, JANČOVIČ JÁN, VOZÁR ĽUBOŠ, TOMAŠKINOVÁ JUDITA: The eff ect of mineral fertilization on belowground plant biomass of grassland ecosystems. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 2013, LXI, No. 5, pp. 1431-1440 Aim of the work was to determine the eff ect of diff erent doses of mineral fertilization on belowground and aboveground plant biomass production of three diff erent types of grasslands, to state R:S ratio (root:shoot) and turnover period of belowground plant biomass of grasslands. In the contribution, we assess production of underground biomass, tillering zone and aboveground biomass on three types of grasslands -permanent grassland (PG), over-sown grassland (OSG) and temporary grassland (TG) in sub-mountain area of central Slovakia. There were applied four levels of mineral nutrition in each grassland (non-fertilized variant, var. 30 kg.ha −1 P and 60 kg.ha −1 K. var. 90 kg.ha −1 N + P 30 K 60 , var. 180 kg.ha −1 N + P 30 K 60 ). The root biomass has the most signifi cant share in the total biomass of grasslands (49.9-54.2 %), followed by tillering zone (33.3-36.0 %) and with the lowest share of aboveground biomass (11.9-16.8 %). A dominant share of root biomass and tillering zone ensure signifi cant extraproductive functions of grasslands that contribute to the stability of agriculture landscape. We recorded the lowest amounts of root mass on TG (7.31 t.ha ). The specifi c nitrogen stimulating infl uence on root biomass production has been proven. Production of tillering zone was lower on OSG and TG (5.11 or 5.42 t.ha −1 ), signifi cantly higher on PG (5.72 t.ha −1 ). We observed a signifi cantly higher production of tillering zone with variants which were fertilized with nitrogen than on non-fertilized and PK fertilized. The lowest harvests of aboveground biomass were noticed on TG (5.80 t.ha −1 ), signifi cantly higher on PG and OSG (6.35 or 6.54 t.ha −1 ). Mineral nutrition had a signifi cant impact on production of aboveground biomass. R:S ratio of the assessed grasslands achieved the values from 4.02 to 5.16. Higher values on PG (5.16) are indicating its higher resistance to drought. Turnover time of root biomass was the longest on PG 3.5-5.0 years, on OSG and TG 2.5-3.5 years. Based on achieved results, we recommend using the fodder plants cultivation system on PG or OSG. Permanent grasslands are proved as ecologically more stable and more resistant to drought than temporary grasslands; they can together with optimal mineral nutrition provide adequate production of root biomass (8.5 t.ha −1 ) and a harvest of aboveground biomass (6.3 t.ha −1 ). aboveground biomass, grass sod, grassland, plant biomass, root, R:S ratio, tillering zone, turnover time of root biomass Grass ecosystems are providing besides a productive function also signifi cant extraproductive functions (erosion control, retention, biofi ltration, environmental). Grass sod (root biomass and tillering zone) provides these functions and makes a dominant 80-85 % share in total product...

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Nature-based solutions (NbS) have the potential to build climate resilience and tackle key societal challenges while also providing multiple co-benefits to biodiversity and human well-being. The demand for nature-based innovation is strongly felt in Malta – a small island state, with the highest population density in the European Union. Against this background, the Horizon 2020 project ReNature (Promoting research excellence in nature-based solutions for innovation, economic growth and human well-being in Malta) has the goal to enhance research excellence of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), as well as the national research, policy, business and stakeholder community. The six strategically designed training activities fostering capacity-building and research excellence, delivered during the first half of the project, resulted in useful learning outputs. These are twelve presentations, available as attachments to this article, which cover a large scope of topics related to the implementation of NbS. At a later stage, ReNature will publish another round of learning outputs, resulting from the rest of the training activities planned within the scope of the project.

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