This book provides an overview of the typical nature-based solutions (NBS) used for flood mitigation at different scales and in different areas (e.g. from catchment to hillslope scale; from urban to coastal areas). NBS can provide several ecosystem services, such as water regulation and water quality enhancement, and as such offer relevant technical solutions to complement typical grey infrastructures to mitigate flood hazard and water quality problems. In recent years, political awareness and interest from the scientific community have led to increasing implementation of NBS worldwide. In light of this trend, this book provides valuable insights into the environmental aspects of NBS, particularly their effectiveness for flood and pollution mitigation, and discusses socio-economic aspects related to the implementation of NBS, including regulatory aspects, cost, and citizens’ perceptions of NBS. Compiling the latest research, the book furthers our understanding of the role of NBS for flood mitigation and its relation to environmental aspects, to guide scientists and stakeholders in future NBS projects. It is intended for the scientific community and stakeholders, such as spatial planners and landscape managers. Chapter "Nature-based solutions for flood mitigation and resilience in urban areas" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This open access book addresses the various disciplinary aspects of nature-based solutions in flood risk management on private land. In recent decades, water management has been moving towards nature-based solutions. These are assumed to be much more multi-purpose than traditional “grey infrastructures” and seem to be regarded as a panacea for many environmental issues. At the same time, such measures require more – and mostly privately owned – land and more diverse stakeholder involvement than traditional (grey) engineering approaches. They also present challenges related to different disciplines. Nature-based solutions for flood risk management not only require technical expertise, but also call for interdisciplinary insights from land-use planning, economics, property rights, sociology, landscape planning, ecology, hydrology, agriculture and other disciplines to address the challenges of implementing them. Ultimately, nature-based flood risk management is a multi-disciplinary endeavor. Featuring numerous case studies of nature-based flood risk management accompanied by commentaries, this book presents brief academic reflections from two different disciplinary perspectives that critically highlight which specific aspects are of significance, and as such, underscore the multi-disciplinary nature of the challenges faced.

This document summarises outcomes relating to flood mitigation and coastal resilience from the report 'Nature-based Solutions: State of the Art in EU-funded Projects' (Wild et al. (Eds.) 2020) prepared through the EC's Valorisation of NBS Projects Initiative. EU research and innovation projects were scanned for results pertaining to key areas such as Floods Directive, EU Action Plan on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change. Evidence from the reviewed projects (and the EC's NBS policy topic area) is framed within knowledge from the literature within the realm of floodrelated policy, to give as full a picture as possible about the state-of-theart with relevant NBS. Contextualised information is provided on policy developments, research results and key lessons. The resulting evidence base includes figures and monetary values showing the relative cost-effectiveness of NBS, and exploring how they support flood-related policy implementation. Policy recommendations and knowledge gaps are also highlighted to support the strengthening of strategies and practical action for the uptake of NBS, to deliver targeted and efficient interventions to help solve societal challenges in Europe and beyond.

This report provides an assessment of the use of, and recommendations for scaling up, Nature-based Solutions to address water-related climate risks.

Urban flooding is an increasingly pressing challenge confronting cities worldwide. As urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of flooding events are on the rise, posing significant threats to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. In the face of this growing crisis, the imperative for effective and sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. This book, "Nature Based Solutions to Prevent Urban Flooding," authored by Shashikant Nishant Sharma and Dauda Ayuba, emerges as a timely and comprehensive resource offering insights, strategies, and practical approaches to mitigate urban flooding through nature-based interventions. The concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) harnesses the inherent resilience and adaptability of natural systems to address complex urban challenges. By integrating green infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management practices, NBS offer a multifaceted approach to urban flood management that not only reduces flood risk but also enhances ecosystem services, improves urban livability, and fosters climate resilience. Drawing upon a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge and practical experience, Sharma and Ayuba delve into the theoretical foundations, case studies, and best practices surrounding NBS implementation in urban environments. From the revitalization of urban wetlands and creation of green corridors to the promotion of permeable pavements and rainwater harvesting systems, this book explores a diverse array of NBS approaches tailored to specific urban contexts. Moreover, the authors highlight the economic, social, and environmental co-benefits associated with NBS adoption, underscoring the value proposition for policymakers, urban planners, engineers, and community stakeholders alike. Through a nuanced analysis of policy frameworks, governance mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement strategies, they elucidate the pathways toward mainstreaming NBS into urban planning and decision-making processes. As we stand at a critical juncture in our collective response to urban flooding, this book serves as a beacon of hope and guidance, illuminating pathways toward a more resilient and sustainable urban future. It is our fervent hope that the insights presented herein will inspire action, catalyze innovation, and empower communities to embrace nature-based solutions as integral components of their urban resilience strategies. Book Title: Nature Based Solutions to Prevent Urban Flooding Authors Name: Shashikant Nishant Sharma & Dauda Ayuba ISBN: 978-93-92585-34-0 Imprint: EduPub Publication Year: 2024

This book aims to define the concept of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) by using case studies from members of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Water Action Group - NatureWat. NBS is defined and characterized in terms of water source, contaminants, removal mechanisms and resource recovery potential. The case studies presented illustrate the appropriateness of NBS promoting climate resilience. Readers will discover a technology portfolio based on a number of demonstration sites in the fields of climate change adaption, water and wastewater treatment, resource recovery and re-use, and restoring ecosystems to promote the use of nature based solutions. The chapters in the book present a multidisciplinary approach involving social scientists, governance representatives and engineers. The underlying philosophy of the book is the circular economy of water which prioritizes the concepts of resource recovery and resilience within water resource management. The first section of the book presents the background and objectives of the study, and how the action group aims to promote the use of nature based solutions through its diverse technology portfolio. Particular attention is given to the goals of finding cost-effective solutions for wastewater treatment, climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, flood protection, greening cities, degraded areas restoration and biodiversity preservation. The chapter on reclaimed water addresses water reuse and defines the term fit for purpose. Barriers and limitations related to NBS for water resource management are discussed. The book concludes with several case studies at local, regional and global levels which illustrate a new approach to water management. These case studies illustrate the application of a hybrid green and grey infrastructure system. This is a combination of traditional engineered infrastructure with nature based solutions which combines centralised and decentralised systems to optimise the reclamation of water for reuse in a fit for purpose model.

An increment of urban flood risk in many areas around the globe is expected, accentuated due to climate change and urbanisation. Thus, appropriate flood risk management is crucial. Conventional approaches focus on grey infrastructure, which frequently do not address the root causes of risk. A change of paradigm is needed to develop effective adaptation strategies. Green-blue infrastructure (GBI) is a central concept to achieve adaptation to climate change. Its main strength is the ability to deliver multiple benefits. Although strong evidence exists demonstrating that GBI is a sustainable solution to reduce flooding, its adoption is still slow. Therefore, the objective of this research is to help decision-makers to adopt adaptation strategies to cope with flood risk while achieving other benefits. This study provides a framework which introduces co-benefits into decision-making for stormwater infrastructure planning. Besides, the multiple benefits are quantified and their impact on helping GBI implementation are evaluated. Finally, the effects of including co-benefits on the selection of flood mitigation strategies and the trade-offs among cost and benefits are assessed. This work contributes to enhance planning processes for flood mitigation combining green-blue-grey measures. It provides tools and knowledge to facilitate holistic decision-making, in order to ensure safe and liveable urban spaces for current and future conditions.

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are interventions to protect, restore, and sustainably manage natural or modified ecosystems to support both biodiversity and human well-being. This guide explores the benefits of using NBS in a suite of development options to promote sustainable and resource-efficient infrastructure. It includes case studies from Bangladesh, Nepal, the People's Republic of China, the Philippines, and Viet Nam to show how NBS can be mainstreamed in the portfolio of the Asian Development Bank.

This open access book addresses the various disciplinary aspects of nature-based solutions in flood risk management on private land. In recent decades, water management has been moving towards nature-based solutions. These are assumed to be much more multi-purpose than traditional "grey infrastructures" and seem to be regarded as a panacea for many environmental issues. At the same time, such measures require more - and mostly privately owned - land and more diverse stakeholder involvement than traditional (grey) engineering approaches. They also present challenges related to different disciplines. Nature-based solutions for flood risk management not only require technical expertise, but also call for interdisciplinary insights from land-use planning, economics, property rights, sociology, landscape planning, ecology, hydrology, agriculture and other disciplines to address the challenges of implementing them. Ultimately, nature-based flood risk management is a multi-disciplinary endeavor. Featuring numerous case studies of nature-based flood risk management accompanied by commentaries, this book presents brief academic reflections from two different disciplinary perspectives that critically highlight which specific aspects are of significance, and as such, underscore the multi-disciplinary nature of the challenges faced