Similarities and Dichotomies Between Nature-Based Solutions and Green Infrastructure: a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: The study seeks to address the following question: What are the similarities and dichotomies between green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBS) from the perspective of Brazilian researchers, and how do the identified solutions mitigate the depletion of urban ecosystem services? Method: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted using the PRISMA protocol in research within the CAPES Journal database. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were original texts, peer-reviewed, published in national and international journals in Portuguese, covering the themes of NBS, GI, informal settlements, and public open space. After reviewing the 90 identified texts, a final selection of 41 texts was made for the SLR. Originality/Value: These texts were analyzed from a novel perspective, bringing together the themes of GI, NBS, ecosystem services protection, and urban land use. Results and Discussion: The study identified the authors’ views on the pressures of urbanization on ecosystem services and the solutions for their protection. It was concluded that the concepts of NBS and GI are often conflated in most approaches and that adopting urbanization associated with nature faces conceptual, operational, and managerial challenges. Research Implications: The research provides insights into the integration of GI and NBS in urban planning to address the challenges of uncontrolled urbanization and the degradation of ecosystem services.