Nature-Based Solutions in Tourism: A Review of the Literature and Conceptualization

Abstract

“Nature based solutions” are innovative solutions, which are inspired from nature, and applied to contemporary societal problems such as climate change, overtourism, poverty alleviation, and so on. The research on “nature-based solutions” in tourism is rudimentary and the main objective of this study is to identify and conceptualize the nature-based solutions in tourism. For this purpose, a hybrid literature review has been conducted in the scientific fields of tourism and hospitality as well as agriculture, building sector, and urban planning. An examination of the characteristics of the nature-based solutions have led to its conceptualization based on six constituent dimensions such as empowerment of stakeholders, monitoring the state of natural environment, economic development of residents, adoption of environment-friendly solutions, and changing the mind-set of stakeholders. Finally, limitations of the current study have been identified and some recommendations for further research have been provided.

Mapping the Research Landscape of Nature-Based Solutions in Urbanism

“…The case studies of NBS for disaster risk reduction have researched flood risks [17,34,84], hydro-metrological risks [104], public health risks [110,111] related to soil pollution. Most disaster risks are related to climate change that focused on urban heat islands or flooding, and the prominent studies for reducing risks of such hazards using BGI (e.g., green space, wetlands, trees, and parks) as adaptation and mitigation strategies [106].…”

“…To synthesize existing knowledge on NBS and their environmental, social and economic impacts, extensive literature reviews have been carried out. Seventeen reviews specifically focused on NBS have been published since 2017, covering themes of 'public health' [25,26], 'urban redevelopment and regeneration' [27], 'urban agriculture' [28], 'built environment' [29], 'urban greening' [23], 'urban resilience' [30], 'water systems' (e.g., hydro-meteorological risk and urban pluvial flood risk) [31][32][33], and 'tourisms' [34]. Escobedo et al (2019) [35] reviewed the relationships among relevant NBS concepts of urban forests, ecosystem services, and green infrastructure.…”

Climate change and tourism: a paradigm for enhancing tourism resilience in SIDS

“…For instance, Addinsall et al (2017) noted that incorporating traditional farming systems and then preserving them through tourism can decrease the effects of shifting climatic conditions. Padma et al (2022) emphasized adopting contemporary methods such as using biofuels in aviation, creating alternative routes for tourists, and employing advanced technologies to reduce soil erosion and protect nature. Also, to overcome seasonality in island nations, local communities and businesses must promote ecotourism activities such as photography, backpacking, cycling, bird watching, sea kayaking, snorkeling, diving, volunteering and establishing marine fauna interpretation centres.…”

“…(2017) noted that incorporating traditional farming systems and then preserving them through tourism can decrease the effects of shifting climatic conditions. Padma et al. (2022) emphasized adopting contemporary methods such as using biofuels in aviation, creating alternative routes for tourists, and employing advanced technologies to reduce soil erosion and protect nature.…”

A transformative mission for prioritising nature in Australian cities

“…Urban planning and design need to allow nature to permeate urban landscapes by removing physical and planning barriers that hamper or limit nature integration, to encourage a nature-positive urbanism in Australian cities. In doing so, cities can ensure that urban nature is not only retained but that positive outcomes can boost its performance, resilience and adaptability to old and new global and climate challenges (Davidson and Gleeson 2018 ; Daniels et al 2020 ; Hobbie and Grimm 2020 ; Ossola and Lin 2021 ), and the plethora of its benefits for cities, (McPhearson et al 2016 ; Kabisch et al 2017 ; Dumitru et al 2020 ; Padma et al 2020 ; Almenaar et al 2021 ), noting an acknowledged bias of research into larger cities, and the need for more knowledge of benefits of urban nature, and associated environmental justice issues, for smaller to medium cities (Kendal et al 2020 ).…”