Search Results (140)

The global rapid urbanization intensifies environmental challenges related to climate change, such as air pollution and the urban heat island (UHI) effect in built environments. The need to optimize nature-based solutions (NBSs) is imperative to mitigate climate change and adapt to extreme weather phenomena. Against this background, this review offers an analysis regarding the integration of vertical greenery systems (VGSs) into urban environments so as to capitalize on their environmental, social, and economic benefits. Key aspects of the review include the positive role of VGSs in UHI mitigation, air quality improvement, stormwater management, and biodiversity enhancement, while examining social aspects (i.e., improved well-being and mental health, noise reduction, and urban built aesthetics). Finally, parameters related to economic benefits and energy efficiency are assessed. The submission further analyses the significant challenges that VGSs face, such as high maintenance costs, structural risks, plant health issues, fire hazards, and other limitations (legislative and technical). The crucial need for interdisciplinary collaborations among urban planners, architects, environmental engineers, and stakeholders is highlighted, in order to successfully integrate VGSs into urban buildings. Thus, this paper aims to identify key strategies for optimizing VGSs’ implementation and provide valuable insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to enhance urban sustainability through vertical greening. Full article

Urban sprawl is a growing issue in developing countries such as Jordan, where urban populations continue to expand rapidly and are projected to reach 70% of the global population by 2050. This urbanization creates significant challenges, particularly the depletion of natural resources and the reduction in green areas. This study proposes an approach to improve the selection of open green space locations by integrating Geographic Information Systems (GISs) with Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) for urban sustainability and resilience. Using Al-Sarih, Jordan, as a case study, GIS was applied to analyze environmental factors, including soil, meteorological, and geological data, through a weighted overlay analysis to assess potential park sites. The results indicated that most parks are situated in areas with suitable geological and soil conditions. However, their distribution is uneven, with dense coverage in the northern region and limited availability in southern and western parts. This imbalance highlights the need for equitable green space planning to ensure accessibility for all residents. This study underscores the value of integrating GIS and NbS in optimizing green infrastructure, providing a scientific framework for sustainable urban planning. It further emphasizes the importance of spatial and natural data interactions to support resilient city development. Full article

Occupational environments often expose workers to physical and psychological stressors that compromise well-being and productivity. While biophilic design has gained attention, there remains limited systematic integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) within workplace management frameworks. This review aims to map the empirical impacts of NbSs on occupational health, productivity, and environmental quality, and to identify key barriers and facilitators for their integration into comprehensive Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety (QEHS) management systems. A scoping literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2019 and 2024. A total of 2452 records were initially retrieved, with 39 studies retained for synthesis following screening, eligibility assessment, and critical appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Findings indicate that NbSs can reduce stress, improve physical and cognitive health, and enhance workplace productivity. Reported benefits include reduced absenteeism, improved indoor air quality, and measurable financial returns. However, significant challenges persist, including high upfront costs, ongoing maintenance demands, a shortage of specialized labor, and methodological heterogeneity across studies. In particular, hybrid approaches combining physical natural elements and immersive technologies such as virtual reality emerged as promising alternatives for spatially constrained environments. Participatory co-design and stakeholder engagement were also identified as critical success factors for effective implementation. Integrating NbSs into QEHS frameworks has the potential to foster healthier, more resilient, and sustainable workplaces. Alignment with recognized certifications can further support systematic adoption and monitoring. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, standardized outcome metrics, and physiological markers, while addressing geographical gaps through studies in underrepresented regions. Embedding participatory processes and certification alignment can enhance stakeholder buy-in and practical scalability, advancing the integration of NbSs into holistic workplace management strategies. Full article

In response to escalating climate change and ecological degradation, nature-based solutions (NBSs) have emerged as a critical paradigm for sustainable environmental governance. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence (AI) offers powerful capabilities for addressing the complexity and uncertainty inherent in natural systems. This study investigates the integration of AI within NBS through a hybrid bibliometric and semantic-enhancement framework. Drawing on 535 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science Core Collection (2011–2024), we employ keyword co-occurrence analysis via CiteSpace and semantic refinement using ChatGPT-4.0 to identify 15 key thematic clusters. Results reveal that AI is widely applied in ecological monitoring, carbon emission reduction, urban climate adaptation, and green infrastructure optimization—substantially improving the responsiveness, precision, and scalability of NBS interventions. The proposed methodology enhances both structural insight and semantic coherence in bibliometric review, offering a robust foundation for future interdisciplinary research. This study contributes to the theoretical development and practical implementation of AI-enhanced NBS, supporting data-driven, adaptive strategies for climate resilience and sustainable development. Full article

Natural reserves in the West African drylands play a critical role in sustaining livelihoods and preserving ecological integrity. However, these ecosystems face growing threats from climate variability and anthropogenic pressure. This study assesses the potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) to enhance climate resilience and mitigate human-induced degradation in Bontioli Natural Reserve (BNR), one of the region’s key biodiversity hotspots. We employed an integrated approach combining ecological assessments, climate and anthropogenic pressures analysis, and participatory governance framework. Generalized additive modeling (GAM) is applied to assess the long-term vegetation response to climate stressors. A conceptual framework that integrates climate resilience with socio-ecological systems is developed for synergies conservation. Our findings indicate a consistent vegetation decline at a rate of 0.051 ± 0.043/year, driven by rising temperatures, and declining rainfall, which is exacerbated by anthropogenic land use pressure since 2000. Human population growth is strongly correlated with cropland expansion (R² = 0.903) and vegetation loss (R² = 0.793). As a result, 53.85% of species populations are declining, with 30.77% classified as endangered or vulnerable. Based on the scientific evidence, NbSs have emerged as cost-effective and sustainable strategies to restore ecological function and strengthen communities-based conservation. The proposed NbS framework offers a holistic pathway for safeguarding long-term ecosystem resilience in dryland reserves, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 15. Full article

Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are increasingly financed in urban, regional, and national contexts due to their proven capacity to reduce climate risks and deliver multiple co-benefits. Several challenges affect the successful implementation and long-term maintenance of NBSs, especially in climate-sensitive and fragile urban territories (e.g., the Mediterranean basin), characterized by intense urbanization, environmental vulnerability, socio-economic disparities, and fragmented governance. Key barriers include difficulties in economically evaluating NBS benefits, uncertainty about their effectiveness under changing climate conditions, and implementing multi-functional projects with an interdisciplinary perspective. To address these challenges, a participatory process was conducted involving three thematic working tables focused on the following: (1) economic evaluation, (2) co-design for climate resilience, and (3) multi-functionality and disciplinary integration. All groups applied a shared SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) methodology structured in four phases: (i) individual reflection and collective brainstorming; (ii) collaborative SWOT matrix development; (iii) roadmaps formulation; and (iv) narrative synthesis and submission. Grounded in their knowledge and practical experiences, stakeholders identified operational barriers and strategic advantages to identify research gaps and designing adaptive, inclusive, and context-sensitive NBS roadmaps. Although the stakeholders were primarily based in Northern Italy, they also brought national and international experience, making the findings relevant and transferable to other urban areas in the Mediterranean and Europe, facing similar socio-environmental challenges and governance issues. Thus, the study supports more effective planning and governance in comparable contexts, emphasizing integrated and flexible approaches to address urban fragility and optimize projects governance and management. Full article

In the face of mounting challenges related to limited availability of urban land and ecological degradation, emerging novel ecosystems offer unique opportunities for ecological regeneration, social redefinition of space, and alternative urban visions. This study presents the multi-layer analysis of the Goccia Forest in Milan (Italy), a wild urban woodland that has developed over sealed and polluted post-industrial land, aiming to investigate the potential of this novel ecosystem to sustain Nature-based Solutions (NbSs). Using an integrated approach (surveys on fauna, vascular flora, lichens, analysis of forest evolution, mapping of sealed surfaces, and soil characterization) the research looks at the novel ecosystem as a whole, highlighting its ecological dynamics and Ecosystem Services (ES). La Goccia Forest serves as a prime example of how the implementation of NbSs is intricately intertwined with the spontaneous regeneration of urban brownfields. The present study offers the opportunity to rethink urban policies, ensuring their alignment with the demands of the population and the latest scientific knowledge. Full article

Green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBSs) in land-use planning and landscape architecture represent a holistic, interdisciplinary response to environmental and societal challenges. Although integrated into Slovak legislation since 2019, their formal implementation has progressed rather slowly, creating a gap that has been increasingly addressed by civic initiatives (CIs) of diverse types and legal forms. This study examines approaches and methods of CIs in Slovakia implementing GI and NBSs, while focusing on their legal forms, activities, spatial delimitations, and their impact on green space development and governance. Analysis of seventeen case studies shows that many CIs operate at multiple levels—local, national, and international—often delivering professional, conceptually grounded solutions. The most frequent NBS activities involve creating or enhancing parks, green public spaces, and community gardens, as well as restoring natural and semi-natural areas through nature-based management. Knowledge creation and awareness-raising are central strategies, including environmental education centres, citizen science, public campaigns, and informal learning platforms. The transformation of derelict areas into multifunctional public spaces emerges as a notable practice, combining ecological regeneration with cultural and social uses. The findings highlight the growing role of civic actors in advancing inclusive, participatory, and knowledge-based environmental management and call for stronger institutional support to integrate their contributions into formal administrative frameworks. Full article

Riverbank erosion poses a significant threat to livelihoods and infrastructure in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions. This study explores the use of old tyres as a material for embankment construction to stabilize riverbanks, combining physical reinforcement with bioengineering techniques. A pilot project was conducted in Dinh My commune, An Giang Province, where an embankment was constructed using old tyres, geotextile, riprap, and vegetation. Field measurements using the Leica TS02 Plus Total Station and Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling were employed to assess the embankment’s performance. Results indicate that the embankment effectively stabilized the riverbank, with a maximum displacement of 18 mm observed after one year. The FEM predictions closely aligned with the measured data, achieving an accuracy of 68% or higher, validating the model’s accuracy. The integration of vegetation further enhanced stability, demonstrating the potential of this approach as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for riverbank protection. This study highlights the dual benefits of erosion control and waste management, offering a replicable strategy for addressing riverbank erosion across deltaic and lowland regions. The pilot offers a scalable model for climate-resilient infrastructure in deltaic regions globally, linking erosion control with circular economy strategies. Full article

This study applies the Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM) to assess how morphology-driven, nature-based solutions reduce urban heat island (UHI) effects and flooding in Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade Nova. Multi-scale GIS diagnostics identify green continuity and vertical permeability as critical weaknesses. Simulations (Ladybug/Dragonfly) and hydrological modelling (rational method) quantify the intervention’s impact, including greening, material retrofits, and drainage upgrades. Results show a 38% increase in albedo, a 13% reduction in volumetric heat capacity, and a 30% drop in thermal conductivity. These changes reduce the peak UHI by 0.2 °C hourly, narrowing the urban–rural temperature gap to 3.5 °C (summer) and 4.3 °C (winter). Hydrologically, impervious cover decreases from 22% to 15%, permeable surfaces rise from 9% to 29%, and peak runoff volume drops by 27% (16,062 to 11,753 m³/h), mitigating flood risks. Green space expands from 7.8% to 21%, improving connectivity by 50% and improving park access. These findings demonstrate that IMM-guided interventions effectively enhance thermal and hydrological resilience in dense tropical cities, aligning with climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Urban areas face escalating hydrological risks due to climate change, urban sprawl, and aging stormwater infrastructures. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs), especially Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDSs), have emerged as viable strategies to enhance water resilience and sustainability. However, the literature still lacks standardized and scalable methodologies for their design and performance monitoring. This study conducts a systematic review following the PRISMA protocol, combined with bibliometric and co-occurrence analyses, to identify prevailing approaches in the sizing and monitoring of NbS-based SUDSs. Based on the peer-reviewed literature indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from 2020 to 2024, the findings reveal an increasing integration of hydrological modeling with artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and IoT-based real-time monitoring. Despite this progress, challenges remain in methodology validation, data availability, and system adaptability. The review underscores the need for hybrid, context-sensitive frameworks that integrate empirical and simulated data to support decision-making in urban drainage planning and management. Full article

This paper is aimed at landscape managers and designers. It looks at 123 real-world coastal landscape projects and organizes them into clear design categories, i.e., wetland restoration, hybrid infrastructure, or urban green spaces. We looked at how these projects were framed (whether they focused on climate adaptation, flood protection, or other goals) and how they tracked performance. We are hoping to bring some clarity to a very scattered field, helping us to see patterns in what is actually being carried out in terms of landscape interventions and increasing sea levels. We are hoping to provide a practical reference for making better, more climate-responsive design decisions. Coastal cities face escalating climate-driven threats from increasing sea levels and storm surges to urban heat islands. These threats are driving increased interest in nature-based solutions (NbSs) as green adaptive alternatives to traditional gray infrastructure. Despite an abundance of individual case studies, there have been few systematic syntheses aimed at landscape designers and managers linking design typologies, project framing, and performance outcomes. This study addresses this gap through a meta-synthesis of 123 implemented coastal landscape interventions aimed directly at landscape-oriented research and professions. Flood risk reduction was the dominant framing strategy (30.9%), followed by climate resilience (24.4%). Critical evidence gaps emerged—only 1.6% employed integrated monitoring approaches, 30.1% provided ambiguous performance documentation, and mean monitoring quality scored 0.89 out of 5.0. While 95.9% of the projects acknowledged SLR as a driver, only 4.1% explicitly integrated climate projections into design parameters. Community monitoring approaches demonstrated significantly higher ecosystem service integration, particularly cultural services (36.4% vs. 6.9%, $p<0.001$), and enhanced monitoring quality (mean score 1.64 vs. 0.76, $p<0.001$). Implementation barriers spanned technical constraints, institutional fragmentation, and data limitations, each affecting 20.3% of projects. Geographic analysis revealed evidence generation inequities, with systematic underrepresentation of high-risk regions (Africa: 4.1%; Latin America: 2.4%) versus concentration in well-resourced areas (North America: 27.6%; Europe: 17.1%). Full article

Water scarcity in Jordan is intensifying, creating an urgent need for innovative approaches to maximize the use of nonconventional water resources, such as greywater treatment and reuse. This study presents a detailed analysis of the suitability of nature-based solutions (NbSs) for greywater treatment, with a focus on the application of horizontal flow constructed wetlands (HFCWs). Two systems were implemented to treat greywater generated from mosques located in Az-Zarqa Governorate, a dry region in Jordan. Following several months of operation, monitoring, and evaluation, the systems demonstrated high removal efficiencies: turbidity (>87%), total suspended solids (TSS) (>96%), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (>91%), and five-day biological oxygen demand (BOD₅) (>85%). The eight-square-meter HFCW units successfully produced one cubic meter of treated greywater per day, meeting Jordanian standards for reclaimed greywater (JS 1776:2013) for use in irrigating food crops, including those consumed raw. The system achieved a 70% reduction in water consumption compared to the same period in the year prior to its implementation. These results demonstrate the potential of constructed wetlands (CWs) as effective, low-cost, and sustainable NbSs for decentralized greywater treatment and reuse in water-scarce regions. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive assessment and strategic framework for implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) to mitigate flooding in Lethem and Tabatinga, Region 9 of Guyana. The communities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to climate variability, hydrological dynamics, and socio-economic factors. A mixed-methods approach, comprising hydrological modelling and observation, a questionnaire survey with a sample of households in both communities, and interviews with municipal administrators, was utilised to acquire data for the study. The study utilised the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse the socio-economic impacts of flooding in the two communities. The results revealed that recent events, such as the significant floods of 2022, have prompted an urgent need for sustainable management strategies. Community engagement efforts, supported by data analysis through remote sensing technology, identified flood-prone areas and vulnerable populations, including women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Chi-Square testing was conducted to determine mutual dependence between the communities’ livelihood activities and disruptions to income and working days, and their ability to deal with flooding. Based on the results, the farmers were the group that the highest inability to deal with flooding. Existing infrastructure, including drainage systems and emergency response initiatives led by the Civil Defence Commission, has contributed to improved flood management; however, limitations persist, particularly in urban planning and land use practices. This study underscores the detailed process of implementing and adopting NBS approaches, such as flood conveyance solutions and water storage and bio-retention solutions. These solutions can improve water quality, preserve ecosystems, and enhance community well-being while reducing flood risks. Applying these solutions in the targeted communities promises to bolster ecological resilience, support climate adaptation, and reduce the incidence and the impact of floods in the sampled communities. Full article

The escalating threat of climate-driven wildfires, land abandonment, wildland–urban interface expansion, and inadequate forest management poses an existential challenge to Mediterranean oak ecosystems, for which traditional fire suppression has proven insufficient. This paper presents a combination of integrated fire management (IFM) and closer-to-nature forest management (CTNFM) in a representative mixed Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) forest at Quinta da França (QF), in Portugal. It is structured around three main objectives designed to evaluate this pioneer integrated approach: (1) to describe the integration of IFM and CTNFM within an agro-silvo-pastoral landscape; (2) to qualitatively assess its ecological, operational, and socio-economic outcomes; and (3) to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of two key nature-based solutions (NbSs), that is, prescribed burning and planned grazing, in reducing wildfire risk and enhancing forest resilience and biodiversity. By strategically combining proactive fuel reduction with biodiversity-oriented silviculture, the QF case provides a replicable model for managing analogous Mediterranean forested areas facing similar risks. This integrated approach supports forest multifunctionality, advancing both prevention and adaptation goals, and directly contributes to the ambitious targets set by the European Union’s New Forest and Biodiversity Strategies for 2030, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable and fire-resilient future for such Mediterranean landscapes. Full article