Vision-Based Decision-Making Methodology for Riparian Forest Restoration and Flood Protection Using Nature-Based Solutions

Maria A. Lilli, Sofia D. Nerantzaki, Christos Riziotis, Manolis Kotronakis, Dionissis Efstathiou, Dimitris Kontakos, Petros Lymberakis, Manolis Avramakis, Antonis Tsakirakis, Konstantinos Protopapadakis and Nikolaos P. Nikolaidis
Additional contact information
Maria A. Lilli: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
Sofia D. Nerantzaki: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
Christos Riziotis: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
Manolis Kotronakis: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
Dionissis Efstathiou: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
Dimitris Kontakos: Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Science and Engineering, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
Petros Lymberakis: Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Science and Engineering, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
Manolis Avramakis: Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Science and Engineering, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
Antonis Tsakirakis: Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Science and Engineering, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
Konstantinos Protopapadakis: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
Nikolaos P. Nikolaidis: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: Nature-based solutions (NBS) are actions that use natural processes in a resource efficient manner to solve societal challenges. The lack of supportive legislature, and financial, communication and social barriers complicate the process of NBS implementation. It is an urgent need to develop approaches to design and implement NBS that would act as drivers to overcome potential barriers and enhance the social acceptability of the project. The vision-based decision-making methodology and participatory process created in this study has been carried out in the Koiliaris Critical Zone Observatory in Crete to design erosion and flood protection NBS and restore the riparian forest. The methodology consists of four distinct steps as follows: i) develop a vision of the area, ii) conduct a baseline assessment study, iii) NBS design and co-design, and iv) procurement and implementation. The methodology overcame multiple barriers because of the effective stakeholder engagement and the vision “drove” the project and created the necessary consensus that is necessary to achieve the objective of converting privately owned prime agricultural land to riparian forest. It offers an exemplar of a functional ecosystem restoration project that protects the river in a sustainable way, improves its biodiversity and water quality and improves the quality of life and social cohesion.

Keywords: nature-based solutions; climate change; ecological restoration; flood risk management; stakeholder involvement; decision-making (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 (2)

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