8.3 Nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction
8 min read•august 14, 2024
(NbS) are innovative approaches to disaster risk reduction that work with nature, not against it. By harnessing the power of ecosystems, NbS protect communities from hazards like floods, landslides, and coastal erosion while providing numerous co-benefits.
From restoring wetlands to planting mangroves, NbS offer sustainable alternatives to traditional infrastructure. They not only mitigate disaster risks but also boost biodiversity, support livelihoods, and enhance . However, challenges like limited awareness and resource constraints must be addressed to fully realize their potential.
Nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction
Definition and applications
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- Nature-based solutions (NbS) protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges (disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and human well-being)
- NbS can be applied to mitigate the impacts of various hazards
- Floods
- Landslides
- Coastal erosion
- Droughts
- NbS harness the natural functions and services provided by ecosystems
- Examples of NbS for disaster risk reduction
- for flood control
- for coastal protection
- for landslide prevention
- NbS can be implemented as standalone measures or integrated with traditional engineering solutions (gray infrastructure) to create hybrid approaches
- Enhances the overall of communities and infrastructure
Integration with gray infrastructure
- NbS can be integrated with traditional engineering solutions (gray infrastructure) to create hybrid approaches
- Combines the benefits of both natural and engineered systems
- Enhances the overall resilience of communities and infrastructure
- Examples of hybrid approaches
- Integrating wetland restoration with levees for flood protection
- Combining mangrove plantation with seawalls for coastal defense
- Incorporating green roofs and permeable pavements with stormwater drainage systems in urban areas
- Hybrid approaches can provide more comprehensive and adaptive solutions to disaster risk reduction
- Capitalizes on the strengths of both NbS and gray infrastructure
- Addresses the limitations and uncertainties associated with relying solely on either approach
Examples of nature-based solutions
Flood mitigation
- Restoring floodplains to provide natural storage and conveyance of floodwaters
- Creating urban green spaces (parks, gardens) to reduce surface runoff and enhance water infiltration
- Implementing permeable pavements (porous concrete, interlocking pavers) to allow water to percolate into the ground and reduce surface runoff
- Constructing bioswales and rain gardens to collect, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff
Coastal protection
- Establishing or restoring mangrove forests to attenuate wave energy, reduce coastal erosion, and provide a buffer against storm surges and sea-level rise
- Restoring salt marshes to dissipate wave energy, trap sediments, and stabilize shorelines
- Protecting and rehabilitating coral reefs to reduce wave energy, minimize coastal erosion, and provide habitat for marine biodiversity
- Implementing dune restoration and stabilization to prevent coastal erosion and protect inland areas from storm surges
Landslide prevention
- Reforesting slopes to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and minimize the risk of landslides
- Implementing terracing to reduce slope steepness, control runoff, and prevent soil erosion
- Promoting sustainable land management practices (contour plowing, strip cropping) to conserve soil and prevent landslides
- Establishing vegetated buffer zones along rivers and streams to stabilize banks and reduce the risk of slope failures
Drought mitigation
- Implementing rainwater harvesting systems (rooftop collection, cisterns) to enhance water storage capacity and provide water for irrigation and domestic use
- Promoting agroforestry (intercropping trees with crops) to improve soil moisture retention, reduce evapotranspiration, and provide shade for crops
- Restoring wetlands to enhance water storage capacity, regulate water flow, and support water-efficient agriculture
- Implementing conservation agriculture practices (no-till farming, cover cropping) to improve soil structure, increase water infiltration, and reduce evaporation
Urban heat island mitigation
- Increasing urban green spaces (parks, gardens, green corridors) to reduce surface and air temperatures, improve thermal comfort, and mitigate the impacts of heatwaves
- Implementing green roofs to reduce building energy consumption, mitigate urban heat island effect, and provide habitat for biodiversity
- Planting trees and increasing tree canopy cover to provide shade, reduce surface temperatures, and improve air quality
- Using cool pavements (reflective materials, permeable surfaces) to reduce heat absorption and mitigate the urban heat island effect
Co-benefits of nature-based solutions
Ecosystem services
- NbS provide multiple that contribute to the overall health and well-being of communities and the environment
- Water purification: Wetlands and riparian buffers filter pollutants and improve water quality
- Carbon sequestration: Forests and other vegetated areas absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide
- Nutrient cycling: Healthy ecosystems regulate the flow of nutrients, supporting soil fertility and productivity
- Ecosystem services provided by NbS can reduce the need for costly infrastructure and maintenance
- Natural water treatment by wetlands can reduce the need for expensive water treatment plants
- Coastal protection by mangroves and coral reefs can reduce the need for expensive coastal defense structures
Biodiversity conservation
- Implementing NbS can enhance biodiversity by creating and restoring habitats for various species
- Wetland restoration provides habitat for waterfowl, fish, and aquatic plants
- Reforestation supports forest-dwelling species and improves ecological connectivity
- NbS promote ecological connectivity by creating corridors and stepping stones for species movement
- Facilitates gene flow and supports the resilience of populations to environmental changes
- NbS support the conservation of threatened or endangered species
- Mangrove restoration provides critical habitat for endangered species (sea turtles, migratory birds)
- Coral reef protection supports the survival of endangered marine species (dugongs, whale sharks)
Sustainable livelihoods
- NbS can support sustainable livelihoods by providing opportunities for eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and the sustainable use of natural resources
- Mangrove restoration can support sustainable aquaculture and fisheries
- Agroforestry can provide diverse income streams from crops, timber, and non-timber forest products
- NbS contribute to local economic development and poverty alleviation
- Eco-tourism associated with protected areas can generate income for local communities
- Sustainable agriculture practices can improve crop yields and income for smallholder farmers
Human health and well-being
- NbS can improve human health and well-being by providing recreational spaces, improving air and water quality, and reducing exposure to environmental hazards
- Urban green spaces provide opportunities for physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction
- Vegetation in cities can filter air pollutants, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases
- Wetlands and riparian buffers can improve water quality, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases
- NbS can reduce the psychological stress associated with environmental hazards
- Green spaces in cities can provide a sense of tranquility and reduce stress levels
- Coastal vegetation can provide a sense of security and reduce the fear of coastal hazards
Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- NbS can contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in vegetation and soils
- Forests and other vegetated areas act as carbon sinks, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide
- Wetlands and peatlands store significant amounts of carbon in their soils and vegetation
- NbS can enhance the resilience of ecosystems and communities to climate-related hazards
- Mangroves and coastal wetlands protect against sea-level rise and storm surges
- Agroforestry and conservation agriculture practices improve soil moisture retention and crop resilience to droughts
- NbS can regulate local and regional climate by influencing temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns
- Urban green spaces can reduce the urban heat island effect and improve thermal comfort
- Forests can influence rainfall patterns and moderate temperature extremes
Challenges of nature-based solutions
Limited understanding and awareness
- Limited understanding and awareness of the potential benefits and effectiveness of NbS among decision-makers, practitioners, and the general public can hinder their adoption and implementation
- Lack of knowledge about the multiple co-benefits of NbS beyond disaster risk reduction
- Perception that NbS are less reliable or effective compared to traditional engineering solutions
- Insufficient communication and education about the value and importance of NbS
- Inadequate dissemination of research findings and case studies demonstrating the success of NbS
- Limited public engagement and participation in the planning and implementation of NbS projects
Scientific uncertainties and risks
- Insufficient scientific evidence and data on the long-term performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of NbS can create uncertainties and risks in their application
- Lack of long-term monitoring and evaluation of NbS projects to assess their effectiveness and resilience over time
- Limited understanding of the complex interactions and feedback loops between NbS and the surrounding environment
- Difficulty in quantifying and valuing the multiple benefits of NbS
- Lack of standardized metrics and valuation methods for ecosystem services and co-benefits
- Challenges in incorporating non-monetary values (biodiversity, cultural significance) into decision-making processes
- Uncertainties related to the performance of NbS under changing environmental conditions
- Potential impacts of climate change on the effectiveness and resilience of NbS
- Risks associated with the introduction of non-native species or the alteration of natural ecosystem dynamics
Cross-sectoral collaboration and coordination
- Implementing NbS often requires cross-sectoral collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, which can be challenging due to conflicting interests and priorities
- Involvement of multiple government agencies with different mandates and jurisdictions
- Engagement of local communities, NGOs, and the private sector with diverse needs and expectations
- Lack of institutional frameworks and governance mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and coordination
- Absence of dedicated policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms to support NbS implementation
- Insufficient platforms for stakeholder dialogue, knowledge sharing, and conflict resolution
- Resistance to change and the adoption of new approaches
- Preference for familiar and proven solutions among decision-makers and practitioners
- Reluctance to invest in NbS due to perceived risks and uncertainties
Resource constraints and investment barriers
- NbS may require significant upfront investments and long-term maintenance, which can be a barrier for resource-constrained communities and organizations, particularly in developing countries
- High costs associated with land acquisition, restoration activities, and monitoring
- Limited access to finance and funding mechanisms for NbS projects
- Lack of economic incentives and market-based mechanisms to support NbS implementation
- Absence of payment for ecosystem services schemes or other financial instruments
- Insufficient recognition of the economic value of ecosystem services and co-benefits
- Competition for land and resources with other development priorities
- Pressure to allocate land for agriculture, infrastructure, or urban development
- Conflicting demands for water resources between ecosystems and human activities
Site-specific limitations and extreme events
- The effectiveness of NbS can be influenced by local environmental conditions, which may limit their applicability or require site-specific adaptations
- Variability in soil type, topography, and climate across different regions
- Need for tailored design and implementation strategies based on local ecological and socio-economic contexts
- NbS may have limited capacity to mitigate the impacts of extreme events or high-magnitude hazards
- Potential for NbS to be overwhelmed or damaged by severe floods, storms, or droughts
- Need for complementary risk reduction measures, such as early warning systems and emergency response plans
- Potential trade-offs between the benefits and costs of NbS in different locations
- Balancing the priorities for disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation, and human well-being
- Addressing potential conflicts between the needs of upstream and downstream communities in watershed management
Key Terms to Review (18)
Afforestation: Afforestation is the process of planting trees in an area where there has been no forest cover for a significant period of time. This practice helps to restore ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and combat climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction by enhancing soil stability, regulating water cycles, and providing natural barriers against natural disasters.
Biodiversity enhancement: Biodiversity enhancement refers to the practices and strategies aimed at increasing the variety of life in a specific ecosystem. This concept emphasizes the importance of diverse species and their interactions, as a rich biodiversity can improve ecosystem resilience, promote sustainability, and provide various ecological services, especially in the context of disaster risk reduction. By restoring habitats and protecting native species, biodiversity enhancement can play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters and improving the capacity of communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Climate resilience: Climate resilience refers to the ability of a system, community, or environment to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of climate change and associated natural disasters. This concept emphasizes not only the capacity to withstand extreme weather events but also the capability to adapt and evolve in response to changing conditions, thereby reducing vulnerability and enhancing sustainability in the face of climate-related risks.
Ecosystem health: Ecosystem health refers to the state of an ecosystem in terms of its ability to maintain its structure, function, and processes over time while supporting biodiversity and providing essential services. A healthy ecosystem is resilient, capable of adapting to changes, and effectively supports both human needs and natural habitats. The concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environments, highlighting the importance of maintaining balance within ecosystems to ensure their sustainability.
Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including the provisioning of resources, regulation of natural processes, cultural enrichment, and support for biodiversity. These services are crucial for human survival and well-being, as they directly impact food production, clean water availability, and climate regulation. Recognizing and valuing these services is essential for sustainable development and effective disaster risk reduction strategies.
Green infrastructure: Green infrastructure refers to a network of natural and semi-natural systems that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits while enhancing resilience to climate change and disasters. This approach integrates vegetation, soils, and other natural elements into urban planning and development to manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, and improve air quality. By leveraging nature’s processes, green infrastructure promotes sustainability and community well-being.
Green roofs in urban areas: Green roofs in urban areas refer to rooftops that are partially or completely covered with vegetation, soil, and a growing medium, along with a waterproofing membrane. These roofs serve as a nature-based solution that helps to reduce urban heat islands, manage stormwater, and improve air quality while providing aesthetic and ecological benefits to densely populated city environments.
Land-use planning: Land-use planning is a process that involves the assessment and regulation of land resources to minimize risks and enhance sustainability. This strategic approach aims to control how land is developed, managed, and preserved, especially in areas prone to natural disasters, ensuring safe and responsible use of land while considering environmental impacts.
Mangrove plantation: A mangrove plantation is a cultivated area that features the growth of mangrove trees, which thrive in coastal intertidal zones. These plantations serve multiple purposes, including ecological restoration, protection against coastal erosion, and providing habitat for diverse wildlife. They are increasingly recognized as effective nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction due to their ability to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters like storms and flooding.
Mangrove restoration in Bangladesh: Mangrove restoration in Bangladesh refers to the process of rehabilitating and replanting mangrove ecosystems along the coastal areas of the country to enhance biodiversity, protect shorelines, and improve resilience against natural disasters. This effort is crucial in a region that is highly vulnerable to cyclones, flooding, and rising sea levels, where healthy mangrove forests serve as natural barriers against such calamities.
Nature-based solutions: Nature-based solutions are strategies that utilize natural processes and ecosystems to address environmental challenges and reduce risks associated with disasters. These approaches enhance biodiversity, promote ecosystem health, and utilize the inherent resilience of natural systems to mitigate hazards such as floods, landslides, and droughts. By integrating these solutions into planning and management practices, communities can foster sustainable development while enhancing their ability to adapt to climate change and other risks.
Nature-Based Solutions Initiative: The Nature-Based Solutions Initiative refers to strategies that utilize natural processes and ecosystems to address societal challenges, particularly in mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing disaster risks. This approach emphasizes working with nature to enhance resilience, improve livelihoods, and protect biodiversity while simultaneously providing benefits like flood control, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration.
Resilience: Resilience refers to the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and adverse events. This ability not only involves bouncing back after a disaster but also adapting and growing stronger in the face of future challenges. Resilience plays a crucial role in minimizing the impacts of disasters, enhancing mental well-being, promoting sustainable practices, and guiding effective policies and international cooperation.
Risk Mapping: Risk mapping is a process used to identify and visualize potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and the overall risk landscape of a specific area or community. This technique helps in understanding the spatial distribution of risks, allowing for better planning and implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies. It combines both quantitative data and qualitative assessments to create a comprehensive overview of risks associated with natural and human-made disasters.
Sustainable development: Sustainable development is a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes a balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity, ensuring that development is inclusive and responsible. This concept is crucial for integrating practices that mitigate disaster risks while promoting long-term resilience and health in communities.
UNDRR Sendai Framework: The UNDRR Sendai Framework is a global blueprint for disaster risk reduction established in 2015 during the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan. Its primary goal is to significantly reduce disaster risk and losses by promoting resilience, preparedness, and risk-informed development practices, while emphasizing the importance of cooperation among countries, communities, and organizations.
Vulnerability assessment: A vulnerability assessment is a systematic process used to identify, analyze, and evaluate the weaknesses and potential impacts of hazards on communities or systems. This process helps in understanding how susceptible a population is to risks and in determining the necessary measures to reduce those risks effectively.
Wetland restoration: Wetland restoration is the process of returning degraded or destroyed wetlands to their natural state, enhancing their ecological functions and benefits. This practice plays a critical role in mitigating environmental issues like flooding, water quality degradation, and loss of biodiversity, making wetlands vital components in nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction.