Applying Ecohydrology to Promote a Nature-Based Solution

Abstract

This chapter aims to develop an ecohydrological modelling approach to propose an environmental engineering solution based on historical nature-based information to alleviate the severe water degradation problem within Luanda Bay, Angola. This solution would improve local communities' ecosystem health and quality of life. The model suggests a simple and practical solution to solving the pollution problem by opening a cut from the bay's shallows to the sea. This will essentially reproduce an old bay opening to the sea, which was filled early in the last century. The residence time of water in the shallows of Luanda Bay would be reduced to about one week by excavating the channel over the land is straightforward. This should return the system to a more natural state and improve the water quality for recreational activities, increase the quality of marine food resources, reduce toxic algae blooms, and improve the quality of life of people in the area. Nevertheless, preventing pollutants from reaching Luanda Bay is the only long-term solution to restore a healthy environment in Luanda Bay