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

Nancy Andrea Ramírez-Agudelo, Roger Porcar Anento, Miriam Villares and Elisabet Roca
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Nancy Andrea Ramírez-Agudelo: Institute for Sustainability Science and Technology, Campus Nord, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Roger Porcar Anento: Institute for Sustainability Science and Technology, Campus Nord, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Miriam Villares: Institute for Sustainability Science and Technology, Campus Nord, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Elisabet Roca: Institute for Sustainability Science and Technology, Campus Nord, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech, 08034 Barcelona, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 23, 1-36

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.

Keywords: NBS; sustainable water management; ecosystem services; problem-solution; governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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