Evaluating Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in Peri-Urban Areas

Abstract

The term nature-based solutions (NBS) has gained traction in recent years and has been applied in many settings. There are few comprehensive assessment frameworks available that can guide NBS planning and implementation while at the same time capturing the short- and long-term impacts and benefits of the NBS. Here a recently presented framework, which builds on the theory of change and was developed to assess NBS at different phases of the project cycle, was applied to seven diverse case studies. The case studies addressed water quality and quantity issues in peri-urban areas across the global north and south. Framework indicators covering the sustainability dimensions (environmental, social and economic) were assessed at three stages of the framework: context, process and results. The work sought to investigate the following research objectives: (1) Can this framework be robust and yet flexible enough to be applied across a diverse selection of NBS projects that are at different phases of the project cycle and address different kinds of water challenges within varied ecological, social and economic contexts? (2) Is it possible to draw generalisations from a comparative analysis of the application of the framework to the case studies? Results showed that the framework was able to be applied to the case studies; however, their diversity showed that NBS projects designed in one context, for a specific purpose in a specific location, can not necessarily be transferred easily to another location. There were several process-based indicators that were universally significant for the case studies, including expertise, skills and knowledge of the involved actors, roles and responsibilities of involved actors and political support. The result-based indicators were case study-specific when environmental indicators were case study-specific, and important social indicators were environmental identity and recreational values. Overall, the use of the framework benefits the recognition of the implementation’s advances, such as the change in context, the processes in place and the results obtained.

Nature-based solutions for water management: Analysis of the Andean context

“…These include 'Agroforestry and Silvopasture', 'Forest protection and reforestation', and 'Qochas'. These NbS are part of the restoration and ecosystem-based adaptation approaches, aligning with previous research by Hale et al (2023), who assessed NbS in a peri-urban setting across Europe.…”

“…Although NbS can be implemented across various contexts and scales, their ability to fully address water challenges is limited. Therefore, it is important to develop coordinated responses at various spatial scales and establish instruments for integrating and implementing NbS (Hale et al 2023). Furthermore, the incorporation of ancestral practices into NbS catalogs tailored to the Andean context emerges as a relevant and interesting element.…”

Wastewater management from municipal slaughterhouses in Mexico: quantities produced, existing legislation, treatment processes applied and future challenges

“…This approach not only reduces construction, implementation, operation, and maintenance costs but also aligns with the socioeconomic and cultural conditions prevalent in municipal slaughterhouses. These facilities are typically situated in remote areas with limited access to basic electrical services, making nature-based solutions a practical choice (Hale et al, 2023).…”