Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

'Nature-based solutions' (NbS) is an umbrella term for ecosystem-based approaches. It involves acting with natural principles to achieve development goals and address challenges, while benefitting humans and the environment. The NbS approach includes collaboration with local communities, focusing on key elements such as: the protection, restoration or management of ecosystems and ecosystem services; the sustainable management of water systems, coastal areas, arable, grassland, and forest areas; and the creation of green zones in and around urban and peri-urban areas. In this multidisciplinary topic, studies focus on, inter alia, (a) ecosystem restoration, (b) ecosystem-based adaptation and climate change adaptation, (c) natural and green infrastructures, (d) ecosystem-based management approaches, (e) ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, (f) circular economy, and (g) nature-based solutions, are warmly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos
Prof. Dr. Miklas Scholz
Dr. Mario A. Pagnotta
Dr. Arshiya Noorani
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Diversity diversity	2.1	3.4	2009	15.4 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Forests forests	2.4	4.4	2010	16.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Land land	3.2	4.9	2012	17.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Plants plants	4.0	6.5	2012	18.2 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	20 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Diversity Forests Land Plants Sustainability

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22 pages, 3264 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship between Key Perceptual Elements of Urban Secondary Wilderness and Its Restorative Benefits

by Keyan Chen, Yan Xu, Kaiyuan Zhan, Yangshuo Gao and Xiangcai Xie

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177383 - 27 Aug 2024

Viewed by 435

Abstract

Urban secondary wilderness (USWs) is a near-natural place in cities and is an important link to reconnect humans with the natural world. Assessing the perceptual elements of USWs not only provides insight into public perceptions and preferences, but also helps to further explore [...] Read more.

Urban secondary wilderness (USWs) is a near-natural place in cities and is an important link to reconnect humans with the natural world. Assessing the perceptual elements of USWs not only provides insight into public perceptions and preferences, but also helps to further explore its relevance to experiential values such as environmental restoration benefits. In this study, we selected three USWs cases located in Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province, China, and constructed an evaluation system containing two types of dimensions and seventeen perceptual elements. Based on the public’s evaluation of the importance of and satisfaction with the perceived elements, we extracted the key perceived elements and analyzed their relationship with environmental restoration benefits. The results indicated that all three USWs cases scored over 4.9 on the Perceived Restoration Scale (PRS). Plants, Landscape color, Water, Landform, Climate, Freedom, and Naturalness are the key perceptual elements of the USWs, and the correlation coefficients between the satisfaction with the above seven perceptual elements and the scores of the PRS were all positive. In summary, USWs is an ideal place for residents to carry out restoration activities, and its key perceptual elements play a driving role. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 4664 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Biomechanical Study of Potential Plants for Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization of Highland in Thailand

by Warakorn Mairaing, Apiniti Jotisankasa, Nisa Leksungnoen, Monir Hossain, Chatchai Ngernsaengsaruay, Prem Rangsiwanichpong, Jarunee Pilumwong, Sony Pramusandi, Surat Semmad and Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6374; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156374 - 25 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Soil bioengineering provides a sustainable method for erosion control and soil slope stabilization using vegetation with multiple co-benefits. This study evaluated ten plant species in Thailand’s highland regions for their soil bioengineering potential and additional benefits. Root architecture, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus [...] Read more.

Soil bioengineering provides a sustainable method for erosion control and soil slope stabilization using vegetation with multiple co-benefits. This study evaluated ten plant species in Thailand’s highland regions for their soil bioengineering potential and additional benefits. Root architecture, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus were measured to compare biomechanical traits. G. sepium, F. griffithii, P. americana, B. asiatica, and C. arabica exhibited H-type roots with wide lateral spread, while M. denticulata and C. officinarum had VH-type roots with deep taproots and wide lateral extent. A. sutepensis showed M-type roots with most root matrix in the top 0.3 m, where C. cajan and C. sinensis had R-type roots with deep, oblique growth. Most species showed a negative power relationship between the root strength and Young’s modulus with the root diameter except C. cajan that showed a positive correlation. P. americana, F. griffithii, C. officinarum, and C. arabica showed relatively high values of 1 mm root tensile strength (exceeding 24 to 42 MPa), while M. denticulata, G. sepium, and B. asiatica exhibited intermediate root tensile strength (ranging from 8 to 19 MPa). A. sutepensis, C. cajan, and C. sinensis demonstrated the lowest root tensile strength, up to 7 MPa. It is advised to plan slope vegetation by selecting diverse plant species with varying root structures and benefits, addressing both engineering and socioeconomic needs of the sustainable nature-based solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 12398 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Nature-Based Solutions for Landscape Performance Evaluation—Handan Garden Expo Park’s “Clear as a Drain” Artificial Wetland as an Example

by Jiaju Liu, Yujia Guo, Jingyi Han, Feng Yang, Nan Shen, Fei Sun, Yanjie Wei, Peng Yuan and Jiawei Wang

Land 2024, 13(7), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070973 - 2 Jul 2024

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Abstract

As a technology for water landscape performance that considers landscape, ecological, and social effects, nature-based solutions play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of integrated ecosystem services on the micro-scale. This study conducted a systematic investigation into the landscape performance of the [...] Read more.

As a technology for water landscape performance that considers landscape, ecological, and social effects, nature-based solutions play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of integrated ecosystem services on the micro-scale. This study conducted a systematic investigation into the landscape performance of the “Clear as a Drain” composite sponge facility at Handan Garden Expo Park. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) In terms of ecological restoration support services, the “Clear as a Drain” artificial wetland exhibited diverse habitat types, a rich variety of plant species specific to the site’s region, and high plant diversity indices for shrubs (1.776) and herbaceous aquatic plants (3.352). Reclaimed water reused in the artificial terraced wetland promoted plant growth and diversity while contributing to site self-rehabilitation; plants also significantly contributed to carbon fixation, oxygen release, and carbon emission reduction. (2) Regarding ecological restoration regulation services, the artificial wetland effectively purified reclaimed water with substantial improvements observed in incoming water quality during spring, summer, and autumn—particularly notable purification effects were observed during the summer months. Pollutant reduction rates for COD, BOD₅ ammonia nitrogen, TP, and TN reached 75.8%, 72.1%, 93.8%, 96.7%, and 90.3%, respectively; different independent subsystems within the wetland demonstrated distinct advantages in pollutant removal; park plants displayed strong air purification capabilities; annual energy savings from park plants could fully cover daily energy consumption for nearby residents. This case could serve as guidance for scientific management and design parameter optimization of other composite sponge facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 299 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Promising Nature-Based Solutions to Support Climate Adaptation of Arizona’s Local Food Entrepreneurs and Optimize One Health

by Yevheniia Varyvoda, Taylor Ann Foerster, Joona Mikkola and Matthew M. Mars

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3176; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083176 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1226

Abstract

This study explores the uptake and potential application of nature-based solutions (NbS) that are particularly promising for small-scale farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs operating in arid and semi-arid regions. Studying the adoption of NbS by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs), including related strengths and [...] Read more.

This study explores the uptake and potential application of nature-based solutions (NbS) that are particularly promising for small-scale farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs operating in arid and semi-arid regions. Studying the adoption of NbS by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs), including related strengths and limitations, remains an area of exploration due to their potential to optimize interventions that foster environmental sustainability at the intersection of people, animals, and natural ecosystems (i.e., One Health). A multi-method design was used, including literature review, questionnaires, and semi-structured key informant interviews to assess adaptation needs and NbS among a sample of LFEs located in Southern AZ, USA. The findings revealed that existing NbS have been introduced mostly through learning-by-doing practices that are bounded by economic and technological resource constraints. The paper describes a range of accessible approaches and practices that can be piloted and/or scaled up to enhance local food system resilience and contribute to the overlapping health of people, animals, and natural ecosystems. The priority adaptation pathways for NbS were identified to be funding and financing and the co-creation and sharing of knowledge through peer-to-peer and expert-to-peer approaches. The results suggested that AZ LFEs are likely to adopt NbS based on their capacity to address priority climate-driven issues, revenue generation potential, and seamless augmentation with existing food production and operational activities.  Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)

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