A recent global survey of scientific literature, led by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, shows that nature-based solutions (NbS) are a cost-effective method for reducing the risk of various disasters - from floods and hurricanes to heat waves and landslides - which are expected to intensify with further warming of the Earth.

NbS are interventions in which an ecosystem is preserved, sustainably managed, or restored to provide benefits to society and nature. For example, they can reduce the risk of natural disasters or facilitate adaptation to climate change. NbS have emerged as a complement or alternative to engineering solutions. A classic example is the restoration of wetlands to address coastal flooding instead of building a seawall.

Nature-based solutions in national policies
“Nature-based solutions are now recognized in major national policies and international global framework agreements to combat climate change, including those developed by the UN and the White House. However, scientific knowledge about the cost-effectiveness and equity of NbS outcomes is limited,” says Marta Vicarelli, assistant professor of economics and public policy at UMass Amherst and lead author of the study. “Our results show that NbS are cost-effective in mitigating hazards, but their benefits are still underestimated.”

Cost-effectiveness of nature-based solutions
NbS have proven to be a consistently cost-effective method for reducing risk in 71% of over 20,000 peer-reviewed English-language studies that researchers reviewed for an article published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. Another 24% of studies found that NbS were cost-effective under certain conditions. Ecosystem interventions that were most often found to be effective in reducing risk were associated with mangroves (80%), forests (77%), and coastal ecosystems (73%).

Of the studies comparing NbS to engineering solutions, 65% always found the former more effective in reducing risk, while 24% found them partially more effective. No study found NbS to be consistently less effective than engineering solutions.

Additional benefits of NbS
Although every reviewed study examined the benefits of NbS in reducing risk, many did not consider additional ecological and socioeconomic benefits, such as maintaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting marginalized communities.

“Other benefits of NbS are largely underestimated because they are difficult to quantify,” explains Vicarelli. “How should we value improvements in air or soil quality? How to value the protection of endangered species or the overall increase in biodiversity after the implementation of NbS? And how to assess the cultural or even spiritual value of ecological assets? These assessments require complex and potentially expensive valuation techniques. For this reason, the additional benefits of NbS are often under-researched and underestimated.”

Funding and future of NbS
Another key finding of the research is that NbS are mostly funded by the public sector, even when interventions involved private ownership. To achieve a global impact of these solutions, additional financial resources are needed, and a significant portion must come from the private sector, says Vicarelli.

“A transformative increase in nature-based solutions requires both public and private funding,” she adds. “The next step is to develop innovative insurance and investment solutions based on nature.”

The research was supported by funding from UMass Amherst and the Horizon Europe program - the European Union's Framework Program for Research and Innovation.

Additional information on nature-based solutions:
Nature-based solutions encompass a wide range of activities that include the conservation, sustainable management, and restoration of ecosystems to improve resilience to climate change and reduce the risks of natural disasters. This includes, but is not limited to: restoring wetlands, planting trees in urban areas to reduce heat islands, creating green roofs and walls, and maintaining natural coastal barriers such as coral reefs and sand dunes.

It is important to note that nature-based solutions not only provide ecological benefits but also have significant socioeconomic impacts. For example, conserving mangroves not only reduces the risk of flooding but also provides habitats for many fish species that are an important source of food and income for local communities. Similarly, forests not only absorb carbon but also provide recreational opportunities and support tourism.

Examples of successful NbS implementations:
One example of a successful NbS project is the restoration of mangroves in Southeast Asia. This initiative not only reduced the risk of flooding and coastal erosion but also improved local biodiversity and provided additional income to communities through fisheries and ecotourism. Another example is the greening of urban spaces in Europe, where green roofs and walls have helped reduce urban heat islands and improve air quality.

These examples show that NbS can provide multiple benefits and be economically viable, especially when additional benefits such as improving human health and well-being, preserving biodiversity, and supporting local economies are considered.

Challenges and future steps:
Despite many advantages, the implementation of NbS faces a number of challenges. One of the main challenges is funding. Although many NbS projects are supported by public funds, private investments are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of these solutions. Additionally, mechanisms need to be developed to evaluate the additional benefits of NbS to better understand their true value.

The development of innovative financial instruments, such as green bonds and conservation funds, can help attract private investments. Also, strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as between different countries, is key to the successful implementation of NbS on a global scale.

Raising awareness of the benefits of NbS among decision-makers, investors, and the general public is also crucial. Education and information about successful examples and case studies can help promote these solutions and encourage their wider application.

Additional examples and research
In New Zealand, the restoration of natural bird migration corridors has proven crucial for the conservation of rare species. This not only contributed to biodiversity but also created tourist attractions that led to economic growth in local communities. In Africa, projects to conserve forests and replant native plant species have helped combat desertification, improve local agriculture, and provide stable sources of income for the population.

In addition, NbS projects in South America, such as the conservation of the Amazon rainforest, provide invaluable ecological services such as climate regulation, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation. These projects often involve local communities and indigenous peoples, ensuring that conservation measures are aligned with their needs and traditional knowledge.

Technological advancements and NbS:
The integration of modern technologies can significantly enhance the effectiveness of NbS. The use of satellite monitoring and drones enables precise mapping and monitoring of ecosystems, identifying areas most vulnerable to climate change, and tracking the success of restoration projects. Also, the development of ecosystem modeling software can help predict the effects of different interventions and optimize management strategies.

The application of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies in NbS also offers new possibilities. Smart sensors can collect environmental data in real-time, enabling quicker responses to changes and adapting management strategies. For example, sensors that monitor soil moisture can help optimize irrigation in urban green spaces, reducing water consumption and improving plant health.

Ecological economics and NbS:
Ecological economics is a growing field that explores the economic aspects of environmental conservation and sustainable development. In the context of NbS, ecological economics can help quantify the ecological services provided by natural ecosystems, such as carbon storage, water flow regulation, and biodiversity conservation. This quantification can provide a solid basis for advocating investments in NbS and developing policies that support sustainable natural resource management.

Furthermore, ecological economics can help assess the socioeconomic benefits of NbS, including improving quality of life, health, and well-being, as well as creating new economic opportunities. This interdisciplinary perspective can contribute to a more integrated and comprehensive approach to planning and implementing NbS, ensuring that all relevant factors and interests are taken into account.

NbS represent a sustainable and innovative solution for reducing the risk of natural disasters and adapting to climate change. Through the conservation, sustainable management, and restoration of ecosystems, we can ensure better and safer conditions for future generations, while preserving the natural heritage and biodiversity of our planet. Through cooperation, innovation, and investment, NbS have the potential to become a key tool in the fight against climate change and the creation of more resilient communities.

The implementation of NbS requires an integrated approach that includes the cooperation of various sectors and stakeholders. This includes cooperation between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, the academic community, and local communities. This cooperation can help secure funding, share knowledge and resources, and promote innovative approaches to implementing NbS.

Additionally, it is important to ensure the inclusion of local communities in the planning and implementation process of NbS. Local communities often have valuable traditional knowledge and experience in managing natural resources, which can be crucial for the success of these projects. Their involvement also ensures that NbS solutions are tailored to local needs and conditions, increasing their effectiveness and sustainability.

NbS can provide multiple benefits - not only in terms of reducing the risk of natural disasters but also in improving quality of life, preserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable development. Through a comprehensive approach that includes ecological, economic, and social aspects, NbS can provide lasting solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face in today's world.

With continued research and innovation, and through cooperation and investment, NbS have the potential to become a key tool in the fight against climate change and the reduction of the risk of natural disasters. Their widespread application can contribute to the creation of more resilient and sustainable communities, better prepared to face future challenges.

The application of NbS also requires a change in mindset and decision-making processes. Instead of focusing solely on short-term economic benefits, it is necessary to consider long-term ecological and social benefits. This includes recognizing the value of ecosystems and the services they provide and integrating these values into planning and management processes.

The introduction of NbS can also stimulate the development of new markets and employment opportunities. For example, the restoration and maintenance of ecosystems can create jobs in sectors such as ecology, agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. Through supporting skill development and education, NbS can contribute to the creation of sustainable and inclusive economies.

Moreover, NbS can play a key role in strengthening resilience to climate change in urban areas. Urbanization and population growth create additional pressures on ecosystems, increasing the risk of natural disasters. Through the application of NbS in urban environments, such as creating green spaces, greening buildings, and restoring natural watercourses, we can reduce these risks and improve the quality of life in cities.

Source: University of Massachusetts Amherst