Search Results (124)

Implementing nature-based solutions (NbSs) for wildfire risk management and other hazards has been challenging in emerging economies due to the high costs, the lack of immediate returns on investment, and stringent inclusion criteria set by organizations like the IUCN and domain experts. To address these challenges, this exploratory study proposes a new concept: green/blue initiatives. These initiatives represent intermediate steps, encompassing small-scale, community-driven activities that can evolve into recognized NbSs over time. To explore this concept, experiences related to wildfire prevention in the Biobío region of Chile were analyzed through primary and secondary source reviews. The analysis identified three initiatives qualifying as green/blue initiatives: (1) goat grazing in Santa Juana to reduce fuel loads, (2) a restoration prevention farm model in Florida called Faro de Restauración Mahuidanche and (3) the Conservation Landscape Strategy in Nonguén. They were examined in detail using data collected from site visits and interviews. In contrast to Chile’s prevailing wildfire policies, which focus on costly, large-scale fire suppression efforts, these initiatives emphasize the importance of reframing wildfire as a manageable ecological process. Lastly, the challenges and enabling factors for adopting green/blue initiatives are discussed, highlighting their potential to pave the way for future NbS implementation in central Chile. Full article

Integrating nature-based solutions into sustainable urban design has become increasingly important in response to rapid urbanization and climate-related environmental challenges. As part of these solutions, green walls not only enhance the thermal and acoustic performance of buildings but also contribute to urban ecosystem health by supporting biodiversity. In this context, the careful selection of plant species is essential to ensure ecological efficiency, resilience, and low maintenance. This study presents a model for selecting plant species suitable for natural green walls in Mediterranean cities, with a focus on habitats protected under Directive 92/43/EEC. The selection followed a multi-phase process applied to the native flora of Italy, using criteria such as chorological type, life form, ecological indicator values, altitudinal range, and habitat type. Alien and invasive species were excluded, favoring only native Mediterranean species adapted to local pedoclimatic conditions and capable of providing ecosystem, esthetic, and functional benefits. The outcome of this rigorous screening led to the identification of a pool of species suitable for green wall systems in Mediterranean urban settings. These selections offer a practical contribution to mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity, thus providing a valuable tool for designing more sustainable and climate-adaptive buildings. Full article

Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) offer promising pathways to enhance ecological resilience and address urban water challenges, particularly in heritage cities where conventional gray infrastructure often fails to balance environmental needs with cultural preservation. This study proposes a strategic framework for the integration of NBSs into historic urban landscapes by employing Internal–External (IE) matrix modeling and an impact–uncertainty assessment, grounded in a structured evaluation of key internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. The Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) score of 2.900 indicates a favorable internal environment, characterized by the multifunctionality of NBS and their ability to reconnect urban populations with nature. Meanwhile, the External Factor Evaluation (EFE) score of 2.797 highlights moderate support from policy and public awareness but identifies barriers such as funding shortages and interdisciplinary coordination. Based on these findings, two strategies are developed: an SO (Strength–Opportunity) strategy, promoting community-centered and policy-driven NBS design, and a WO (Weakness–Opportunity) strategy, targeting resource optimization through legal support and cross-sectoral collaboration. This study breaks new ground by transforming theoretical NBS concepts into actionable, culturally sensitive planning tools that enable decision-makers to navigate the unique challenges of implementing adaptive stormwater and environmental management in historically constrained urban environments. Full article

Mercury (Hg) contamination in soils poses significant environmental risks. In response, various nature-based solutions (NbSs) have been developed and studied in the past to treat mercury along with other heavy metals from both point and nonpoint sources. However, various land uses present uncertainties in mercury mobility and treatment efficiency, affecting the scalability of NbS systems. In this study, a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles addressing mercury pollution in NbS soils was conducted. Results revealed that lakeside environments and mining areas are key Hg accumulation zones due to hydrological connectivity and anthropogenic pressures. Constructed wetlands were the most studied NbSs, where those with Acorus calamus and Aquarius palifolius as the main vegetation achieved >90% Hg removal efficiencies. Although NbSs achieved high Hg removal, anaerobic conditions were found to promote MeHg formation, a critical drawback. Moreover, biochar demonstrated potential for immobilizing Hg and reducing bioavailability, though certain types increased MeHg formation under specific redox conditions. Overall, the study highlighted the need for site-specific design, long-term field evaluation, and multidisciplinary strategies to optimize NbS performance for mercury removal. Furthermore, future research on the scalability of mercury-treating NbSs across diverse land uses is recommended to address mercury risks and improve effectiveness. Full article

Humans and nature have always been connected. Meanwhile, with the industrial revolution, landscapes have become more artificial, reducing the human–nature relationship. Urban design should follow biophilic principles to reconnect people with nature, mitigate climate change, improve air quality, restore biodiversity loss, and solve social problems. Poor air quality affects people’s health, and vegetation plays a crucial role in purifying the air. Similarly, contact with nature benefits physical and mental health and well-being. However, there is no consensus on how urban design can be beneficial for improving air quality and human health. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of evidence linking nature-based solutions (NBSs), air quality, carbon neutrality, and human health and well-being. Five hundred articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analysed. A number of publications studied the benefits of green infrastructure in improving air quality, carbon sequestration, or the influence of green spaces on human health. The topic of NBSs has recently emerged related to air quality, health, and promoting physical activity, as has accessibility to green spaces and mental health, also associated with blue spaces and residential gardens. The results revealed the gaps in the literature on how to design green and blue spaces to tackle environmental and public health crises simultaneously. Full article

Diclofenac (DCF), a widely consumed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, presents significant environmental challenges due to its persistence and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the pH-dependent ozonation of DCF in aqueous media, focusing on degradation kinetics, transformation pathways, and effects on key water quality indicators. Ozonation experiments were conducted across a broad pH range (2.0–13.0), using a multi-scale analytical approach combining UV/Vis spectroscopy, colorimetry, turbidity, and aromaticity measurements. The results show that pH strongly influences DCF degradation efficiency: acidic conditions favor selective reactions with molecular ozone, while an alkaline pH enhances non-selective oxidation via hydroxyl radicals. Spectroscopic analyses revealed the progressive breakdown of aromatic structures, the transient formation of quinonoid and phenolic intermediates, and eventual mineralization to inorganic by-products such as nitrate. Low-pH conditions also induced turbidity due to precipitation of neutral DCF species. These findings underline the importance of pH control in optimizing ozonation performance and minimizing toxic by-products. Furthermore, this study proposes ozonation as a viable pre-treatment step within Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs), potentially improving the performance of downstream biological systems such as constructed wetlands. The results contribute to the development of integrated and sustainable water treatment strategies for pharmaceutical contaminant removal and water reuse. Full article

Integrating green infrastructure in urban planning for urban sustainability to stay environmentally equitable, ecologically resilient, and climate adaptive is gradually becoming significant. Using remote sensing data, GIS analytical methods, and urban forestry indicators, this study analyses the spatiotemporal changes in the urban green space and forest coverage of the Sichuan Province of China during 2002–2022. The results show a 20% to 40% addition to urban green space and a 24% to 38% extension in forest coverage resulting from urban greening programmes and reforestation schemes. Urban sprawl has contributed to biodiversity loss, the fragmentation of habitats, and a reduced carbon sequestration potential, notably in peri-urban areas. To address these issues, we propose sustainable green infrastructure by introducing nature-based solutions, carbon offset strategies, and ecological connectivity corridors. Specific proposed policies encompass enhancing the urban forestry legal framework, establishing ecological red lines, and optimising land use policies by coordinating urban development with ecological conservation. This work provides a scientific foundation for urban planners and policymakers to enhance climate resilience, carbon neutrality, and sustainable urban ecosystems. Full article

Utilizing 58 Landsat-7 images taken over 10 years, the current study investigated the relationship between the mitigation of surface urban heat islands (SUHIs) by NbSs (Nature-based Solutions) and influential variables such as physical variables of NbSs, environmental variables of the streets, and meteorological variables. Parks and permeable pavements are the two types of NbS devices under examination. Reference (i.e., unaffected by any NbS) and experimental (i.e., affected by only one NbS) areas were selected to perform the analysis. Areas affected by large water bodies or more than one NbS device were excluded. The cooling effect caused by NbS was linked to the influential variables by multiple regression models. Key findings included the following: Firstly, the distance to an NbS is more important than the area of an individual NbS, implying that small and evenly distributed NbS devices might have better overall cooling effects than large but sparsely placed NbS devices. Secondly, NbSs do not significantly contribute to cooling in districts with grid-type streets, while exhibiting significant cooling for districts with complex street patterns. Older districts with complex street patterns should be the focus of NbS implementation, not newer, modern districts. However, NbS cooling is sensitive to several variables in districts with complex patterns. NbS installation in those districts requires careful planning to maximize engineering investment. Lastly, maintenance can be essential to sustain the cooling capacity of NbSs over time. Full article

With global urbanization on the rise, urban and peri-urban forests (UPFs) have emerged as a critical source of green infrastructure. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of soil conservation (SC) services provided by UPFs across European Union (EU) member states. Utilizing an erosion modeling approach and open access earth observation (EO) data, the distribution and magnitude of SC services within UPFs are evaluated. Significant disparities in SC service supply among EU countries are revealed, with Mediterranean nations exhibiting higher values compared to central and northern European counterparts. The study underscores the pivotal role of UPFs as nature-based solutions (NbSs) in enhancing ecosystem service (ES) provision for citizen well-being. By integrating SC and ES concepts into forest management strategies, UPFs can effectively contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving citizen well-being. This research provides valuable insights for EU policymakers and stakeholders, laying the groundwork for integrated UPF management strategies. Through prioritizing SC measures and adopting integrated approaches, policymakers can ensure the resilience and ecological integrity of UPFs, enhancing their capacity to provide vital ecosystem services in Europe’s urbanized landscapes. Full article

To address the challenges linked to climate change, rapidly increasing urbanization, and food security necessity, this study explores the potential of smart, low-cost innovative cultivation systems for modules on facades as nature-based solutions (NBSs) to improve building energy efficiency, urban food production, and sustainability. Innovative cultivation systems were studied and implemented in the horizontal experimental setup, with a focus on sub-irrigation techniques with terracotta pots, ozonated water, and IoT use. The best eco-smart irrigation system was selected considering both plant growth and the water savings obtained (up to 57.14%) in comparison to the traditional method. With the implementation of this system, a vertical green module (VGM) was designed, allowing for efficient distribution and water savings. The positive effects in terms of temperature reduction and energy behavior were validated by comparing two office rooms: one without VGM and the other with VGM in a Mediterranean city. The drop in internal temperatures achieved was up to 3–4 °C during the hot days of the experimental campaign. The uptake of this low-cost and smart prototype can be useful to support the enhancement of energy-efficient, eco-sustainable, and self-sufficient buildings and urban spaces, contributing to creating more climate-resilient cities and promoting sustainable urban agriculture. Full article

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) offer a promising framework for addressing urban environmental challenges while also enhancing social and economic resilience. As cities seek to achieve carbon neutrality, the integration of NBSs with renewable energy sources (RESs) presents both an opportunity and a challenge, requiring an interdisciplinary approach and an innovative planning strategy. This study aims to explore potential ways of achieving synergies between NBSs and RESs to contribute to urban resilience and climate neutrality. Focusing on the railway station district in western Thessaloniki (Greece), this research is situated within the ReGenWest project, part of the EU Cities Mission. This study develops a comprehensive, well-structured framework for integrating NBSs and RESs, drawing on principles of urban planning and energy systems to address the area’s specific spatial and ecological characteristics. Using the diverse typologies of open spaces in the district as a foundation, this research analyzes the potential for combining NBSs with RESs, such as green roofs with photovoltaic panels, solar-powered lighting, and solar parking shaders, while assessing the resulting impacts on ecosystem services. The findings reveal consistent benefits for cultural and regulatory services across all interventions, with provisioning and supporting services varying according to the specific solution applied. In addition, this study identifies larger-scale opportunities for integration, including the incorporation of NBSs and RESs into green and blue corridors and metropolitan mobility infrastructures and the development of virtual power plants to enable smart, decentralized energy management. A critical component of the proposed strategy is the implementation of an environmental monitoring system that combines hardware installation, real-time data collection and visualization, and citizen participation. Aligning NBS–RES integration with Positive Energy Districts is another aspect that is stressed in this paper, as achieving carbon neutrality demands broader systemic transformations. This approach supports iterative, adaptive planning processes that enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of NBS–RES integration in urban regeneration efforts. Full article

Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) bridge ecological conservation and human well-being. As the concept gains global traction, its potential for cultural heritage preservation is drawing increasing interest. This study explores the localized application of NbSs in Chinese villages, focusing on two core questions: its compatibility with traditional Chinese construction wisdom and its practical pathways for localization. A literature review reveals strong theoretical alignment between NbS principles and indigenous building practices. This study develops a dual quantitative framework—comprising an NbS evaluation system and a cultural value assessment system—for coupling coordination analysis. Results show a strong interdependence between the integration of NbS principles and village cultural value, with traditional villages (0.7806) achieving a better balance between ecological protection and cultural heritage than non-traditional villages (0.5953), validating the alignment of global NbS principles with local building wisdom. Based on gray relational analysis, disaster risk management and local governance are identified as key NbS dimensions shaping cultural integrity and knowledge continuity. An integrated indicator system combining ecological and cultural metrics is proposed. This study confirms the alignment between global principles and local wisdom, offering an NbS localization framework with insights for heritage conservation. Full article

Rain gardens are efficient nature-based solutions (NBSs) for the sustainable management of surface run-off in urban areas. The functionality of a rain garden in an urban environment depends on the resistance of plant and soil components to anthropogenic stressors. In temperate climates, the negative effects of de-icing chemicals applied in wintertime are one of the major anthropogenic stressors for the rain gardens’ ecosystem. The research aimed to study the effect of a NaCl-based de-icer in the mesocosm experiment, where materials of soil mixtures (seven parts by volume of quartz or carbonate sand and three parts by volume of loam or peat), plants (Hemerocallis hybrida), de-icer dose (529 mg L⁻¹ for Cl⁻ and 472 mg L⁻¹ for Na⁺ concentrations), and irrigation period simulated typical conditions for the Moscow city—the largest world megapolis with permanent snow cover during the wintertime. For all soil mixtures, a short-term negative impact of salinization on soil health included a decrease in microbial biomass (4–7-times) and basal respiration (2–3.6-times). After six months, soil health indicators recovered by 80–90% in the peat and carbonate sand mixture, whereas the negative effects on the quartz sand and loam mixtures remained irreversible (1.3 and 3 times lower than the control, respectively). The chlorophyll content of the plants on all soil mixtures was reduced compared to the control plants (37.1 ± 4.1 vs. 39.9 ± 1.2 SPAD units). The worst plat condition was observed for soil mixtures based on quartz sand. In this variant, the negative effect of salinization coincided with low nutrient content. In our results, the ash content was up to three times less compared to the initial state, as well as to the other materials. Plants grown in mixtures based on loam were more resistant to salinization due to higher nutrient content than peat. Overall, based on soil Na uptake, plant biomass, and recovery of soil microbiota, soil mixtures based on peat, loam, and carbonate sand will be the most resistant to NaCl-based de-icers and could be recommended for the creation of rain gardens in cities with permanent snow cover in winter. Full article

Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) have gained prominence in urban planning as integrative strategies that utilize natural processes to address complex environmental and societal challenges while advancing green infrastructure development. Despite growing academic interest, the practical integration of NBSs into urban green infrastructure remains hindered by fragmented methodologies and limited understanding of context-specific implementation dynamics. This study contributes to addressing these gaps through a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 90 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. It examines the range of NBSs employed in urban green infrastructure, the factors shaping their successful implementation, and the barriers, financial, technical, social, and political, that constrain their adoption. The analysis also explores the roles of key stakeholders, including local governments, private actors, and communities, in the planning, execution, and maintenance of NBS projects. The findings reveal both conceptual convergence and contextual variation in how NBSs are deployed and evaluated, highlighting critical enablers, such as spatial justice, governance integration, financial viability, and technical capacity. By clarifying the conditions under which NBSs function effectively, this review offers insights for researchers and policymakers seeking to embed these approaches within sustainable urban development frameworks. Full article

The discourse around ‘nature-based solutions’ (NBSs) is quite recent, but this paper contends that, as knowledge and practice, the notion of NBS is not novel. Indigenous and rural communities are known to work closely with nature to fulfil their water needs, eke out sustainable livelihoods, and cope with climate variability and the impacts of natural disasters. India is a country where NBS has been a tradition for millennia. Water has been sustainably managed here and related societal challenges successfully met through the use of nature, natural systems, or natural processes within rural as well as urban settings. However, despite the merits, in recent times, many of the old NBSs have come to be neglected and degraded, being increasingly replaced by gray infrastructure. These changes are deepening the water crisis in the country, with the rapidly transforming peri-urban locations being an important area of concern. This paper outlines some of the major NBS forms traditionally established and used in different parts of India. Thereafter, using an integrated analytical framework for assessing sustainability of NBS (developed under project NATWIP), the value of the NBS legacy in India will be analyzed. Finally, the paper proposes important lessons as a way forward for enhancing water sustainability in peri-urban India that is based on the adoption and rejuvenation of the disappearing NBS science in the country. Full article