Nature-Based Solutions and Water Security: Concepts, Typologies and Applications

• Published in: RGSA : Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental Vol. 19; no. 2; p. e011360
• Main Authors: Costa, Mariana Dias Correia da, Arcoverde, Gustavo Felipe Balué, Paz, Mariana Gutierres Arteiro da
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 24.02.2025
• ISSN: 1981-982X; 1981-982X
• DOI: 10.24857/rgsa.v19n2-090

Objective: This study aims to understand the conceptual and typological relationships between Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and Water Security (WS), as well as their applications and the identification of gaps in the implementation of NbS for WS.   Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in the concepts of Nature-Based Solutions and Water Security, providing a solid foundation for understanding the investigation's context.   Method: The methodology adopted for this research encompasses a qualitative approach, including a narrative literature review and case studies at different scales. Secondary data were collected from relevant international grey literature and scientific articles.   Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that NbS and WS concepts are interconnected and that these solutions can mitigate issues related to the regulation of water quality and quantity, as well as extreme impacts such as floods. However, their effectiveness depends on various factors, such as local landscape composition, ecosystem understanding, and integrated water resource management.   Research Implications: The study suggests the need for further research involving approaches that integrate NbS with WS across different implementation scales.   Originality/Value: This research contributes to a deeper understanding and reflection on the relationships between NbS and WS, both conceptually and typologically, advancing the understanding of these relationships for more effective NbS implementations in addressing diverse water-related challenges. Such understanding is increasingly necessary given the intensification of climate change, soil degradation, and the decline of water bodies.