Abstract from AMS Scientific Conference '24, Amsterdam, Netherlands.In the two-year Nature-Based Area Development study researchers at four Dutch universities collaborated with planning professionals in cities, regions and companies to investigate how nature-based urban development can become a forceful reality. The study applied a combination of methods such as co-research sessions with consortium partners, in-depth interviews with experts and a multiple case study analysis of best practices in the Netherlands and abroad.Keywords: nature-based, area development, densification, urban ecosystem services, planning instruments