Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in Peri-Urban Areas: Barriers and Lessons Learned from Implementation Experiences

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are defined by the European Commission as “actions that are inspired by, supported by, or copied from nature…” and that solve societal challenges and multiple benefits. As a result, NBS are often promoted as alternative responses that solve complex societal challenges such as watershed management, while delivering a systemic approach of multiple benefits for well-being, human health, and sustainable use of resources. Despite rising interest in NBS, further identification of experiences implementing NBS could advance our understanding of the operationalization of this comprehensive concept. For this purpose, we analyzed 35 peer-reviewed articles on implementation experiences of NBS for water management in peri-urban areas, on aspects related to (i) NBS problem–solution: water challenges, ecosystem services, scales, and types; (ii) NBS governance and management. From the insights of the analysis, this paper asks what lessons are learned, and which barriers are identified, from implementing NBS for water management in peri-urban areas? As a result, this study presents a detailed analysis of each aspect. We conclude by highlighting accountancy, monitoring, and communication as potential success factors for integration and development while diminishing the overall barrier of complexity, which leads to technical, institutional, economic, and social uncertainty.

Systems-thinking for environmental policy coherence: Stakeholder knowledge, fuzzy logic, and causal reasoning

“…Co-benefits (O'Donnell et al, 2017;Ramírez-Agudelo et al, 2020;Solheim et al, 2021) Clear identification of co-benefits to support shared set of values and community support. Long-term focus on co-benefits.…”

“…Fragmentation (Chaffin et al, 2016;Ellis and Lundy, 2016;Kabisch et al, 2016;Ramírez-Agudelo et al, 2020;Solheim et al, 2021;Vásquez et al, 2016;Wamsler et al, 2020;Zuniga-Teran et al, 2020) Central, singular NBS department. Integrated across sectors, separate from other utilities.…”

“…Maintainability (Kabisch et al, 2016;Li et al, 2017;Ramírez-Agudelo et al, 2020;Thorne et al, 2018) Regular inspections, monitoring guidelines. Cost of regular maintenance (diversified responsibility).…”

Tale of Two Cities: How Nature-Based Solutions Help Create Adaptive and Resilient Urban Water Management Practices in Singapore and Lisbon

“…Urban water management-related NbS may be categorized and evaluated accordingly to different perspectives, including the categorization proposed by Ramírez-Agudelo et al [4]. These authors outlined the following 10 categories of NbS, based on data extracted from 66 references: wetlands, including natural and constructed wetlands; sustainable drainage systems (SUDS); green roofs/walls; river parks; agroforestry; parks; permeable pavement; phytorid wastewater treatment; rain gardens; and bioswales.…”

“…Furthermore, NbS can help form efficient strategies for mitigating problems arising from growing urbanization, particularly in terms of flood risks, climate regulation (the capacity of water bodies to regulate the micro-climate, mitigating urban heat islands (UHIs) and heatwaves), while promoting the effective incorporation of socio-cultural services, including recreational opportunities, and focusing on aesthetics, human well-being, and social cohesion principles [4][5][6][7][8][9].…”