Pub Date : 2025-07-18DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100257
John Reid , Amanda Yates
Place-based, Indigenous ways of knowing have real relevance in a context of urban system change. Indigenous approaches have developed over time in places that are understood as ecological entities and venerated kin, not geological resource. Such socio-ecological and nature-responsive models are evidenced to offer the adaptive, ecologically ethical and responsive strategies needed at this time of complex ecological crisis. The research discussed here is founded in a complex Indigenous wellbeing concept – mauri ora - that links social and ecological wellbeing together as an indissoluble whole. Earlier research developed an urban mauri-centered “compass” that oriented users towards nature-based and socio-ecological approaches to urban wellbeing. An urban wellbeing data display was also developed that measured and visualised current states of social, cultural and ecological wellbeing. This mauri-centered research methodology was then tested out in place, in Waitaha/Canterbury, in the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Working with Te Kāhui Kahukura, a group of Māori Iwi kin authorities, a wellbeing index was developed. In this paper we describe the research context, the place-based index and its key domains and measures that assess socio-ecological wellbeing as a complex whole in the context of urban environments.
基于地方的、本土的认知方式在城市系统变化的背景下具有真正的相关性。随着时间的推移，土著方法在被理解为生态实体和受尊敬的亲属，而不是地质资源的地方发展起来。事实证明，这种社会生态和自然响应模式提供了在这个复杂的生态危机时期所需的适应性、生态伦理和响应性战略。这里讨论的研究建立在一个复杂的土著福利概念- mauri ora -将社会和生态福利作为一个不可分割的整体联系在一起。早期的研究开发了一个以城市毛为中心的“指南针”，将用户导向基于自然和社会生态的城市福祉方法。城市健康数据显示也被开发出来，用来测量和可视化当前的社会、文化和生态健康状况。这种以毛为中心的研究方法随后在新西兰奥特罗阿南岛的怀塔哈/坎特伯雷进行了测试。与Kāhui Kahukura（一组Māori Iwi - kin当局）合作，制定了一个幸福指数。在本文中，我们描述了研究背景，基于地点的指数及其关键领域和措施，评估社会生态福祉作为一个复杂的整体在城市环境的背景下。
{"title":"The Te Kāhui Kuhukura wellbeing index","authors":"John Reid , Amanda Yates","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Place-based, Indigenous ways of knowing have real relevance in a context of urban system change. Indigenous approaches have developed over time in places that are understood as ecological entities and venerated kin, not geological resource. Such socio-ecological and nature-responsive models are evidenced to offer the adaptive, ecologically ethical and responsive strategies needed at this time of complex ecological crisis. The research discussed here is founded in a complex Indigenous wellbeing concept – mauri ora - that links social and ecological wellbeing together as an indissoluble whole. Earlier research developed an urban mauri-centered “compass” that oriented users towards nature-based and socio-ecological approaches to urban wellbeing. An urban wellbeing data display was also developed that measured and visualised current states of social, cultural and ecological wellbeing. This mauri-centered research methodology was then tested out in place, in Waitaha/Canterbury, in the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Working with Te Kāhui Kahukura, a group of Māori Iwi kin authorities, a wellbeing index was developed. In this paper we describe the research context, the place-based index and its key domains and measures that assess socio-ecological wellbeing as a complex whole in the context of urban environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100257"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144771545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-12DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100256
Laura Costadone , Shan Zhang
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer multifunctional approaches to address climate change and environmental challenges, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional gray infrastructure. Despite their promise, widespread adoption remains limited, in part due to an incomplete understanding of their full costs and benefits relative to conventional infrastructure. Traditional benefit–cost analyses often overlook non-monetized benefits and the interconnected ecosystem services provided by NbS. This study introduces a methodological approach to quantify both the physical and monetary value of ecosystem services and co-benefits delivered by an NbS project. We applied an integrated valuation framework to a case study in Virginia Beach, VA, USA, where a city-owned golf course is being converted into a multifunctional stormwater park designed to enhance flood mitigation, support ecosystem restoration, and provide recreational opportunities. Four key ecosystem services were quantified: flood mitigation, microclimatic cooling, pollinator abundance, and environmental quality and amenities. The Hydrologic and Hydraulic (PC SWMM) model predicted a 50 % reduction in structural damages caused by flooding events, while the InVEST pollination model forecasted an increase in the pollinator abundance index from 0.085 to 0.132 due to native vegetation. ENVI-Met climate modeling revealed a 5.6 °C air temperature reduction in tree-covered areas around recreational paths. The hedonic pricing model estimated a 2.4 % increase in nearby property values. Incorporating these ecosystem services into a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) analysis raised the BCR from 1.46 to a range of 1.6–2.1. These findings highlight the economic and environmental value of integrating NbS into urban planning, enhancing resilience and long-term sustainability for communities and ecosystems.
{"title":"Integrated valuation of the ecological, social and economic benefits provided by a multifunctional nature-based solution","authors":"Laura Costadone , Shan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer multifunctional approaches to address climate change and environmental challenges, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional gray infrastructure. Despite their promise, widespread adoption remains limited, in part due to an incomplete understanding of their full costs and benefits relative to conventional infrastructure. Traditional benefit–cost analyses often overlook non-monetized benefits and the interconnected ecosystem services provided by NbS. This study introduces a methodological approach to quantify both the physical and monetary value of ecosystem services and co-benefits delivered by an NbS project. We applied an integrated valuation framework to a case study in Virginia Beach, VA, USA, where a city-owned golf course is being converted into a multifunctional stormwater park designed to enhance flood mitigation, support ecosystem restoration, and provide recreational opportunities. Four key ecosystem services were quantified: flood mitigation, microclimatic cooling, pollinator abundance, and environmental quality and amenities. The Hydrologic and Hydraulic (PC SWMM) model predicted a 50 % reduction in structural damages caused by flooding events, while the InVEST pollination model forecasted an increase in the pollinator abundance index from 0.085 to 0.132 due to native vegetation. ENVI-Met climate modeling revealed a 5.6 °C air temperature reduction in tree-covered areas around recreational paths. The hedonic pricing model estimated a 2.4 % increase in nearby property values. Incorporating these ecosystem services into a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) analysis raised the BCR from 1.46 to a range of 1.6–2.1. These findings highlight the economic and environmental value of integrating NbS into urban planning, enhancing resilience and long-term sustainability for communities and ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100256"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144654829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-11DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100255
Luciana Villa Castrillón , Benjamin Jacob , Thomas H. Badewien , Joanna Staneva
This study assesses the potential of seagrass meadows as a Nature-based Solution (NbS) to mitigate coastal risks in two locations within the southern German Wadden Sea: Jade Bay and the Outer Weser estuary. Using the unstructured-grid model framework SCHISM (Semi-implicit Cross-scale Hydroscience Integrated System Model), coupled with wind wave and sediment transport modules, we simulated hydrodynamic processes over a two-year period (2019–2020), with a focus on the impact of an extreme weather event. We examined the hydrodynamic, wave, and sediment effects of seagrass presence versus absence under both typical and storm conditions and evaluated two restoration site scenarios. The results demonstrate that seagrass can substantially attenuate wave heights (up to 40 %) and bed shear stress (up to 70 %). Risk mapping further indicates that seagrass consistently reduces areas classified as high erosion risk and delays the onset of sediment resuspension during storms. These findings emphasize the protective function of seagrass and support its broader application as a scalable and adaptive strategy for enhancing coastal resilience under climate-driven pressures.
{"title":"Nature-based solutions: leveraging the coastal protective potential of seagrass in the Jade Bay region","authors":"Luciana Villa Castrillón , Benjamin Jacob , Thomas H. Badewien , Joanna Staneva","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assesses the potential of seagrass meadows as a Nature-based Solution (NbS) to mitigate coastal risks in two locations within the southern German Wadden Sea: Jade Bay and the Outer Weser estuary. Using the unstructured-grid model framework SCHISM (Semi-implicit Cross-scale Hydroscience Integrated System Model), coupled with wind wave and sediment transport modules, we simulated hydrodynamic processes over a two-year period (2019–2020), with a focus on the impact of an extreme weather event. We examined the hydrodynamic, wave, and sediment effects of seagrass presence versus absence under both typical and storm conditions and evaluated two restoration site scenarios. The results demonstrate that seagrass can substantially attenuate wave heights (up to 40 %) and bed shear stress (up to 70 %). Risk mapping further indicates that seagrass consistently reduces areas classified as high erosion risk and delays the onset of sediment resuspension during storms. These findings emphasize the protective function of seagrass and support its broader application as a scalable and adaptive strategy for enhancing coastal resilience under climate-driven pressures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100255"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144654828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-11DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100258
Kamaljit K Sangha , Ronju Ahammad , Jeremy Russell-Smith , Marcello Hernández-Blanco , Octavio Pérez-Maqueo , Robert Costanza
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are fast emerging as action-based approaches to address climate change, biodiversity decline, land degradation, conservation and socio-economic issues. Among a wide range of NbS approaches, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) is one of the famous and tried approaches that have been developed and implemented in several countries to date, offering lessons to be learnt for developing innovative NbS-PES ‘systems’ which are beyond the typical market approach and related policy settings, particularly to benefit Indigenous perspectives. To develop such Indigenous-specific PES or more appropriately incentivising schemes for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), we analyse and draw lessons from three famous PES schemes from Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) from New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We examine their operational policy infrastructure and mechanisms for governing, monitoring, and payments/incentives for Ecosystem Services (ES). One common feature of the selected schemes is the pivotal role of national (Costa Rica and Mexico) and state (NSW) governments in developing specific legislation and regulatory guidelines to mediate these programmes, establish a national/state fund and authority to monitor the contracted conservation sites—offering a standardised and credible arrangement for ES providers and beneficiaries while reducing transactional costs for all parties. Other key learnings include applying a simple, input-based approach and paying land managers on a per-hectare basis for ES as a bundle, using simple indicators such as the state of the forest/ecosystem as a proxy for ES—offering insights for developing nature-based markets for Indigenous peoples in Australia and IPLCs globally. While planning Indigenous-specific schemes, we emphasise that it is critical to consider sociocultural and economic settings in which locals operate to develop equitable and sustainable mechanisms, given that many IPLCs’ value systems are societal and their relationships with nature often lie outside the typical market regimes. Applying IPLCs’ perspectives, we explore a Common Assets Trust model at a state/national scale as an alternative to the market approaches that can afford a common platform for stakeholders to exchange, govern, and monitor ES while also promoting the development of equitable, sustainable, and culturally appropriate incentivizing mechanisms involving low transactional and monitoring costs for IPLCs globally.
{"title":"Culturally appropriate nature-based solutions policy settings supporting Indigenous Peoples in Australia—International lessons and applications","authors":"Kamaljit K Sangha , Ronju Ahammad , Jeremy Russell-Smith , Marcello Hernández-Blanco , Octavio Pérez-Maqueo , Robert Costanza","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are fast emerging as action-based approaches to address climate change, biodiversity decline, land degradation, conservation and socio-economic issues. Among a wide range of NbS approaches, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) is one of the famous and tried approaches that have been developed and implemented in several countries to date, offering lessons to be learnt for developing innovative NbS-PES ‘systems’ which are beyond the typical market approach and related policy settings, particularly to benefit Indigenous perspectives. To develop such Indigenous-specific PES or more appropriately incentivising schemes for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), we analyse and draw lessons from three famous PES schemes from Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) from New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We examine their operational policy infrastructure and mechanisms for governing, monitoring, and payments/incentives for Ecosystem Services (ES). One common feature of the selected schemes is the pivotal role of national (Costa Rica and Mexico) and state (NSW) governments in developing specific legislation and regulatory guidelines to mediate these programmes, establish a national/state fund and authority to monitor the contracted conservation sites—offering a standardised and credible arrangement for ES providers and beneficiaries while reducing transactional costs for all parties. Other key learnings include applying a simple, input-based approach and paying land managers on a per-hectare basis for ES as a bundle, using simple indicators such as the state of the forest/ecosystem as a proxy for ES—offering insights for developing nature-based markets for Indigenous peoples in Australia and IPLCs globally. While planning Indigenous-specific schemes, we emphasise that it is critical to consider sociocultural and economic settings in which locals operate to develop equitable and sustainable mechanisms, given that many IPLCs’ value systems are societal and their relationships with nature often lie outside the typical market regimes. Applying IPLCs’ perspectives, we explore a Common Assets Trust model at a state/national scale as an alternative to the market approaches that can afford a common platform for stakeholders to exchange, govern, and monitor ES while also promoting the development of equitable, sustainable, and culturally appropriate incentivizing mechanisms involving low transactional and monitoring costs for IPLCs globally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144662490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Human preferences for landscapes and species can strongly influence the human wellbeing derived from nature and motivation for nature conservation. In this study, we conducted an online survey of 10,000 residents in Japan using photographs of 160 species to determine their aesthetic preferences for wildflowers. Participants with abundant nature experience, i.e., those with old age and high plant identification knowledge scores, preferred a floral trait group with complex traits (bilateral, deep floral tubes/spurs, and downward flower orientation) as well as rare species, whereas participants with limited nature experience preferred flowers with prototypical traits (upward-facing, radial capitulum). With the increase in plant identification knowledge, preference for native or exotic species increased or decreased, respectively. In addition to the previously-noted general innate preferences common to humans across different personal backgrounds, nature experience played an important role in determining floral preferences. This finding suggests that ecosystems with high floral diversity are important to support cultural ecosystem services for humans with diverse preferences. Moreover, our finding that preference for healthy ecosystems containing complex, rare, and native flowers increases through nature experiences suggests a positive feedback loop consisting of nature experience, preference, well-being, and conservation motivation. The loss of opportunities for humans to connect with nature could break this positive feedback loop and accelerate the deterioration of nature. In conclusion, creating opportunities for contact with nature that take human preferences into account could provide a breakthrough for ensuring sustainable nature-based solutions that benefit both societal well-being and natural environment.
{"title":"Aesthetic ecosystem services of diverse wildflowers: People's experience shapes preferences for floral traits","authors":"Mahoro Tomitaka , Taiki Inoue , Gaku S Hirayama , Atushi Ushimaru , Hiroshi S Ishii , Takehiro Sasaki , Tanaka Kenta","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100254","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human preferences for landscapes and species can strongly influence the human wellbeing derived from nature and motivation for nature conservation. In this study, we conducted an online survey of 10,000 residents in Japan using photographs of 160 species to determine their aesthetic preferences for wildflowers. Participants with abundant nature experience, i.e., those with old age and high plant identification knowledge scores, preferred a floral trait group with complex traits (bilateral, deep floral tubes/spurs, and downward flower orientation) as well as rare species, whereas participants with limited nature experience preferred flowers with prototypical traits (upward-facing, radial capitulum). With the increase in plant identification knowledge, preference for native or exotic species increased or decreased, respectively. In addition to the previously-noted general innate preferences common to humans across different personal backgrounds, nature experience played an important role in determining floral preferences. This finding suggests that ecosystems with high floral diversity are important to support cultural ecosystem services for humans with diverse preferences. Moreover, our finding that preference for healthy ecosystems containing complex, rare, and native flowers increases through nature experiences suggests a positive feedback loop consisting of nature experience, preference, well-being, and conservation motivation. The loss of opportunities for humans to connect with nature could break this positive feedback loop and accelerate the deterioration of nature. In conclusion, creating opportunities for contact with nature that take human preferences into account could provide a breakthrough for ensuring sustainable nature-based solutions that benefit both societal well-being and natural environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100254"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144597486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-02DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100253
Lara Cornejo , Kate Sherren , Jeremy Lundholm , Danika van Proosdij , Elena M. Bennett
Collaboration in cross-sectoral initiatives with diverse groups of stakeholders can be facilitated using boundary objects. Knowledge co-production based in such collaboration approaches can contribute to solve pressing environmental issues. In this paper, we describe the process of developing a conceptual model through synthesis and expert knowledge elicitation to assess social-ecological dynamics in the context of managed dyke realignment in a complex coastal landscape around the Bay of Fundy, Canada. We explored how the model served as a boundary object for multi-stakeholder collaboration, and how it contributed to interdisciplinary research within our case study. A participatory approach involving stakeholders from different institutions and backgrounds who are actively working in the landscape, was carried out through 5 elicitation phases in 5 months. This participatory process produced a conceptual model that meets the characteristics of a boundary object and contributes to the principles of co-production. Discussions about model functionality and the complexity of the system, including conflicting arguments, emerged from the participatory process. The process highlights climate adaptation policy implications such as the need to decrease administrative complexity and facilitate funding access, as well as guarantee long-term monitoring of implementation sites to pursue adaptive management. We suggest the model structure and process presented in this work can be used to assess other management strategies in this and similar landscapes.
{"title":"Using a causal conceptual model of managed dyke realignment as a boundary object promotes multi-stakeholder collaboration and co-production","authors":"Lara Cornejo , Kate Sherren , Jeremy Lundholm , Danika van Proosdij , Elena M. Bennett","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Collaboration in cross-sectoral initiatives with diverse groups of stakeholders can be facilitated using boundary objects. Knowledge co-production based in such collaboration approaches can contribute to solve pressing environmental issues. In this paper, we describe the process of developing a conceptual model through synthesis and expert knowledge elicitation to assess social-ecological dynamics in the context of managed dyke realignment in a complex coastal landscape around the Bay of Fundy, Canada. We explored how the model served as a boundary object for multi-stakeholder collaboration, and how it contributed to interdisciplinary research within our case study. A participatory approach involving stakeholders from different institutions and backgrounds who are actively working in the landscape, was carried out through 5 elicitation phases in 5 months. This participatory process produced a conceptual model that meets the characteristics of a boundary object and contributes to the principles of co-production. Discussions about model functionality and the complexity of the system, including conflicting arguments, emerged from the participatory process. The process highlights climate adaptation policy implications such as the need to decrease administrative complexity and facilitate funding access, as well as guarantee long-term monitoring of implementation sites to pursue adaptive management. We suggest the model structure and process presented in this work can be used to assess other management strategies in this and similar landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144572150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100252
Maibritt Pedersen Zari , Mercia Abbott , India Chenery , Huhana Smith , Rebecca Kiddle , Lama Tone , Selina Ershadi
Nature-based solutions (NbS) strengthen biodiversity and ecosystems but should also centre human wellbeing. Understandings of wellbeing differ however and relate closely to cultural values, relationships with nature, and worldviews. This means that NbS can hold very different meanings across contexts, reflecting varying cultural values and understandings of wellbeing. This is true in the culturally diverse region of Te Moananui Oceania (the island nations of the Pacific), where relationships to nature and cultural worldviews are unique. The region is where many nations most impacted by climate change are located. NbS offer significant potential for effective climate change adaptation and are increasingly being explored and utilized in Te Moananui Oceania.
To explore nature-based adaptation agendas grounded in Indigenous ecological knowledge and cultural understandings of wellbeing, and to strengthen connections between NbS and place-based worldviews in urban climate adaptation, an international design competition focused on urban NbS in Te Moananui Oceania was held in 2023. This design-led research methodology was used to both understand how people were already thinking about and implementing NbS in relation to the range of Indigenous knowledge in the region as a means to adapt to climate change. The competition was also a means to capture and exhibit the collective imagination regarding climate futures in an inclusive, enabling, and impactful way. Strategies offered by competition entrants in turn informed ongoing research into how to design effective NbS in the region. We examine the usefulness of the design competition as a research methodology, and its suitability to bridge cultural differences, political agendas, and varying worldviews in the climate change adaptation arena.
Findings from over 70 entries revealed that working with water-based ecologies, storytelling, and relational place-based design were recurring themes. Many projects combined Indigenous and contemporary knowledge systems, suggesting that hybrid approaches have value. We argue that design competitions can be effective research tools; supporting dialogue across worldviews and illustrating contextually grounded strategies for just climate adaptation. For climate adaptation to be realistic, effective, culturally relevant, and just, a deep and considered understanding of connection to place and a place’s people is vital.
{"title":"Indigenous knowledge driven nature-based solutions: findings from an international design competition","authors":"Maibritt Pedersen Zari , Mercia Abbott , India Chenery , Huhana Smith , Rebecca Kiddle , Lama Tone , Selina Ershadi","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nature-based solutions (NbS) strengthen biodiversity and ecosystems but should also centre human wellbeing. Understandings of wellbeing differ however and relate closely to cultural values, relationships with nature, and worldviews. This means that NbS can hold very different meanings across contexts, reflecting varying cultural values and understandings of wellbeing. This is true in the culturally diverse region of <em>Te Moananui</em> Oceania (the island nations of the Pacific), where relationships to nature and cultural worldviews are unique. The region is where many nations most impacted by climate change are located. NbS offer significant potential for effective climate change adaptation and are increasingly being explored and utilized in <em>Te Moananui</em> Oceania.</div><div>To explore nature-based adaptation agendas grounded in Indigenous ecological knowledge and cultural understandings of wellbeing, and to strengthen connections between NbS and place-based worldviews in urban climate adaptation, an international design competition focused on urban NbS in <em>Te Moananui</em> Oceania was held in 2023. This design-led research methodology was used to both understand how people were already thinking about and implementing NbS in relation to the range of Indigenous knowledge in the region as a means to adapt to climate change. The competition was also a means to capture and exhibit the collective imagination regarding climate futures in an inclusive, enabling, and impactful way. Strategies offered by competition entrants in turn informed ongoing research into how to design effective NbS in the region. We examine the usefulness of the design competition as a research methodology, and its suitability to bridge cultural differences, political agendas, and varying worldviews in the climate change adaptation arena.</div><div>Findings from over 70 entries revealed that working with water-based ecologies, storytelling, and relational place-based design were recurring themes. Many projects combined Indigenous and contemporary knowledge systems, suggesting that hybrid approaches have value. We argue that design competitions can be effective research tools; supporting dialogue across worldviews and illustrating contextually grounded strategies for just climate adaptation. For climate adaptation to be realistic, effective, culturally relevant, and just, a deep and considered understanding of connection to place and a place’s people is vital.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-29DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100251
Mengqi Li , Na Li , Jie Yin , Leiqing Xu
Studies showed biophilic design enhances the restorative qualities of learning environments, reducing students’ stress and anxiety and benefiting their mental health. This study, guided by Kellert's biophilic design principles, examined the impact of eight biophilic design indicators across three dimensions—naturalness, aesthetics, and activity—on middle school students' physical activity, social interactions, and anxiety. It investigated how these factors contribute to reducing anxiety. Using a structural equation model, post-occupancy evaluation data from 275 adolescents were analyzed. The results show that the activity dimension directly influenced physical activity, which in turn affected anxiety and social interactions. Naturalness impacted physical activity and social interactions, while aesthetics negatively affected physical activity. The study highlights physical health as a key mediator and underscores the positive influence of naturalness and activity on anxiety reduction, contrasting with the negative impact of aesthetics. The findings suggest that integrating natural elements and promoting physical activity in school design may reduce adolescents ' anxiety.
{"title":"How biophilic design of the school outdoor environments impacts adolescents’ behaviour and psychology: A post-occupancy evaluation based on SEM","authors":"Mengqi Li , Na Li , Jie Yin , Leiqing Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Studies showed biophilic design enhances the restorative qualities of learning environments, reducing students’ stress and anxiety and benefiting their mental health. This study, guided by Kellert's biophilic design principles, examined the impact of eight biophilic design indicators across three dimensions—naturalness, aesthetics, and activity—on middle school students' physical activity, social interactions, and anxiety. It investigated how these factors contribute to reducing anxiety. Using a structural equation model, post-occupancy evaluation data from 275 adolescents were analyzed. The results show that the activity dimension directly influenced physical activity, which in turn affected anxiety and social interactions. Naturalness impacted physical activity and social interactions, while aesthetics negatively affected physical activity. The study highlights physical health as a key mediator and underscores the positive influence of naturalness and activity on anxiety reduction, contrasting with the negative impact of aesthetics. The findings suggest that integrating natural elements and promoting physical activity in school design may reduce adolescents ' anxiety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100251"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-29DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100250
Elena Comino , Laura Dominici , Chiara Baldacchini , Silvia Barbero , Laura Ribotta
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly adopted to reintroduce nature and vegetation and provide ecosystem services in cities. In the framework of NbS, green walls are implemented in outdoors and indoors for multifunctional purposes providing physical, psychological and social benefits for humans. Beyond these positive aspects, how can this type of NbS be efficiently implemented inside public buildings? What are the main constraints? How can local communities and municipalities manage the process to implement multi-functional indoor green walls in public buildings? This study offers an overview of these aspects based on the experience gained during the proGIreg project. It describes the case study of a primary school in the Municipality of Turin (Italy) involved in the project as a Living Lab that hosts an indoor green wall to provide multifunctional benefits including the improvement of indoor air quality and pro-environmental behaviour of students. The case study demonstrates potentialities offered by the indoor green wall to reduce the risk of air pollution exposure of students and school staff. Moreover, the indoor green wall is presented as an educational tool used to introduce NbS and their benefits to students and teachers through a specific educational program. This contribution describes the multi-perspective methodology adopted to involve all the actors of the quadruple helix innovation model (academic experts, technicians from companies, the municipality, and civil society) in the co-creation process. The design process is presented to introduce technical requirements and practical information for implementing indoor green walls in primary schools and providing indications to replicate the application in other contexts.
{"title":"Multifunctional green wall in primary school. An integrated approach between academics and local governance to improve educational environment","authors":"Elena Comino , Laura Dominici , Chiara Baldacchini , Silvia Barbero , Laura Ribotta","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly adopted to reintroduce nature and vegetation and provide ecosystem services in cities. In the framework of NbS, green walls are implemented in outdoors and indoors for multifunctional purposes providing physical, psychological and social benefits for humans. Beyond these positive aspects, how can this type of NbS be efficiently implemented inside public buildings? What are the main constraints? How can local communities and municipalities manage the process to implement multi-functional indoor green walls in public buildings? This study offers an overview of these aspects based on the experience gained during the proGIreg project. It describes the case study of a primary school in the Municipality of Turin (Italy) involved in the project as a Living Lab that hosts an indoor green wall to provide multifunctional benefits including the improvement of indoor air quality and pro-environmental behaviour of students. The case study demonstrates potentialities offered by the indoor green wall to reduce the risk of air pollution exposure of students and school staff. Moreover, the indoor green wall is presented as an educational tool used to introduce NbS and their benefits to students and teachers through a specific educational program. This contribution describes the multi-perspective methodology adopted to involve all the actors of the quadruple helix innovation model (academic experts, technicians from companies, the municipality, and civil society) in the co-creation process. The design process is presented to introduce technical requirements and practical information for implementing indoor green walls in primary schools and providing indications to replicate the application in other contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100250"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144572292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-25DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100248
Maya M. Daumal , Rosan van Halsema , Dorine T.B.M. Dekkers , Roy H.J. Erkens , Edwin T.H.M. Peeters
Nature-based solutions (NbS) aim to restore river ecosystems and improve biodiversity, but their effectiveness in enhancing aquatic ecological quality remains uncertain, especially across different waterbody types. To address this gap, we assessed macroinvertebrate communities in the Border Meuse valley following NbS interventions. Sampling was conducted across the main channel, secondary channels, floodplain lakes, and tributaries. We analysed abiotic conditions, taxonomic composition, abundances, diversity indices, and contributions to regional β-diversity.
A total of 218,810 individuals representing 152 taxa were recorded. Lakes and tributaries supported the highest abundances and most unique taxa (∼20 each), while the main channel and secondary channels contributed least to regional diversity. Shannon-Wiener diversity was highest in lakes and lowest in the Meuse. Differences in abiotic conditions further separated lakes and tributaries from other waterbody types. Secondary channels shared characteristics with the Meuse and supported similar macroinvertebrate assemblages, suggesting limited added ecological value. Despite restoration efforts, taxa characteristic of fast-flowing gravel rivers remains largely absent.
These results indicate that NbS measures in the Border Meuse, particularly the creation of side channels, had limited effectiveness in restoring aquatic biodiversity. Contributing factors include low habitat heterogeneity, pre-existing modifications in tributaries, and the lack of new floodplain lake creation. We propose five lessons for future NbS planning: conduct thorough system analysis, gather pre- and post-project data, set ecologically realistic goals, implement adaptive management, and promote knowledge sharing. A functional, ecosystem-based approach is essential for improving biodiversity outcomes in large river restoration projects.
{"title":"The effects of a large-scale nature-based solution on the macroinvertebrate diversity in a gravel river in The Netherlands","authors":"Maya M. Daumal , Rosan van Halsema , Dorine T.B.M. Dekkers , Roy H.J. Erkens , Edwin T.H.M. Peeters","doi":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nature-based solutions (NbS) aim to restore river ecosystems and improve biodiversity, but their effectiveness in enhancing aquatic ecological quality remains uncertain, especially across different waterbody types. To address this gap, we assessed macroinvertebrate communities in the Border Meuse valley following NbS interventions. Sampling was conducted across the main channel, secondary channels, floodplain lakes, and tributaries. We analysed abiotic conditions, taxonomic composition, abundances, diversity indices, and contributions to regional β-diversity.</div><div>A total of 218,810 individuals representing 152 taxa were recorded. Lakes and tributaries supported the highest abundances and most unique taxa (∼20 each), while the main channel and secondary channels contributed least to regional diversity. Shannon-Wiener diversity was highest in lakes and lowest in the Meuse. Differences in abiotic conditions further separated lakes and tributaries from other waterbody types. Secondary channels shared characteristics with the Meuse and supported similar macroinvertebrate assemblages, suggesting limited added ecological value. Despite restoration efforts, taxa characteristic of fast-flowing gravel rivers remains largely absent.</div><div>These results indicate that NbS measures in the Border Meuse, particularly the creation of side channels, had limited effectiveness in restoring aquatic biodiversity. Contributing factors include low habitat heterogeneity, pre-existing modifications in tributaries, and the lack of new floodplain lake creation. We propose five lessons for future NbS planning: conduct thorough system analysis, gather pre- and post-project data, set ecologically realistic goals, implement adaptive management, and promote knowledge sharing. A functional, ecosystem-based approach is essential for improving biodiversity outcomes in large river restoration projects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100945,"journal":{"name":"Nature-Based Solutions","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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