Nature-based Solutions for Water and Climate Related Hazards

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are proposed and implemented to adapt to the impacts of climate change and protect from natural hazards. NbS are seen as a cost-effective alternative to grey infrastructures, which at the same time support important ecosystem functions and services, contribute to biodiversity conservation, and represent a ‘no regret’ strategy. NbS is an umbrella term for several concepts such as Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR), Ecological Restoration (ER) and Green or Natural Infrastructure (GI/NI). The concept also includes so called ‘hybrid solutions’, which combine ecosystems and technical measures.

In our session, we invite scientists and practitioners to present their research and practical experiences on all types of natural infrastructure aimed at reducing water and climate related hazards such as storms, floods, droughts, and landslides, in different environments, such as coastal, mountain, river, dryland, and urban ecosystems.