Bibliography
Welcome to our interactive bibliography. Here you can explore publications relating to Nature-based Solutions and their potential to address societal challenges, including climate change adaptation & mitigation, disaster risk reduction, ecosystem health, food & water security, and human wellbeing & development. For papers and other outputs directly produced by the Nature-based Solutions Initiative please visit our outputs page.
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711 publications found
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Shifting sands? Coastal protection by sand banks, beaches and dunes
Coastal Engineering (2014). Original Research.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378383913001762Abstract
In a closely integrated system, (sub-) littoral sandy sediments, sandy beaches, and sand dunes offer natural coastal protection for a host of environmentally and economically important areas and activities inland. Flooding and coastal erosion pose a serious threat to these environments, a situation likely to be exacerbated by factors associated with climate change. Despite their importance, these sandy ‘soft’ defences have been lost from many European coasts through the proliferation of coastal development and associated hard-engineering and face further losses due to sea-level rise, subsidence, storm surge events, and coastal squeeze. As part of the EU-funded THESEUS project we investigated the critical drivers that determine the persistence and maintenance of sandy coastal habitats around Europe’s coastline, taking particular interest in their close link with the biological communities that inhabit them. The successful management of sandy beaches to restore and sustain sand budgets (e.g. via nourishment), depends on the kind of mitigation undertaken, local beach characteristics, and on the source of ‘borrowed’ sediment. We found that inter-tidal invertebrates were good indicators of changes linked to different mitigation options. For sand dunes, field observations and manipulative experiments investigated different approaches to create new dune systems, in addition to measures employed to improve dune stabilisation. THESEUS provides a ‘toolbox’ of management strategies to aid the management, restoration, and creation of sandy habitats along our coastlines, but we note that future management must consider the connectivity of sub-littoral and supra-littoral sandy habitats in order to use this natural shoreline defence more effectively.
Ecosystem-based disaster risk reductionClimate change adaptationDisaster risk reductionCoastlineImproving Carbon Mitigation Potential through Grassland Ecosystem Restoration under Climatic Change in Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Advances in Meteorology (2014). Original Research.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/amete/2014/379306/abs/Abstract
To protect the water tower’s ecosystem environment and conserve biodiversity, China has been implementing a huge payment program for ecosystem services in the three rivers source region. We explored here the dynamics of grassland degradation and restoration from 1990 to 2012 and its relationships with climate mitigation in the TRSR to provide a definite answer as to the forcing and response of grassland degradation and restoration to climate change. Then we estimated its potential of climate mitigation benefits to address the question of whether ecological restoration could be effective in reversing the decline of ecosystem carbon mitigation service. The trend of average annual temperature and precipitation observed by meteorological stations were approximately increased. Compared before and after 2004, the area of grassland degradation was increased slightly. However, nearly one-third of degraded grassland showed improvement, and the grassland vegetation coverage showed significant increase. Comparing current grassland vegetation coverage with healthy vegetation cover with the same grass type, nearly half of the area still needs to further restore vegetation cover. The grassland degradation resulted in significant carbon emissions, but the restoration to its healthy status has been estimated to be technical mitigation potential.
Ecological restorationEcosystem-based mitigationClimate change mitigationMontaneWetlandEvaluating wider benefits of natural flood management strategies: an ecosystem-based adaptation perspective
Hydrology Research (2014). Meta-Analysis.
http://hr.iwaponline.com/content/45/6/774Abstract
Climate change is projected to alter river flows and the magnitude/frequency characteristics of floods and droughts. Ecosystem-based adaptation highlights the interdependence of human and natural systems, and the potential to buffer the impacts of climate change by maintaining functioning ecosystems that continue to provide multiple societal benefits. Natural flood management (NFM), emphasising the restoration of innate hydrological pathways, provides important regulating services in relation to both runoff rates and water quality and is heralded as a potentially important climate change adaptation strategy. This paper draws together 25 NFM schemes, providing a meta-analysis of hydrological performance along with a wider consideration of their net (dis) benefits. Increasing woodland coverage, whilst positively linked to peak flow reduction (more pronounced for low magnitude events), biodiversity and carbon storage, can adversely impact other provisioning service – especially food production. Similarly, reversing historical land drainage operations appears to have mixed impacts on flood alleviation, carbon sequestration and water quality depending on landscape setting and local catchment characteristics. Wetlands and floodplain restoration strategies typically have fewer disbenefits and provide improvements for regulating and supporting services. It is concluded that future NFM proposals should be framed as ecosystem-based assessments, with trade-offs considered on a case-by-case basis.
Ecosystem-based adaptationClimate change adaptationDisaster risk reductionArtificial Landscapes - TerrestrialGrasslandMarineWetlandThe role of ecosystems in climate change adaptation: Lessons for scaling up
Routledge (2014). Book (chapter).
https://www.routledge.com/Community-Based-Adaptation-to-Climate-Change-Scaling-it-up/Schipper-Ayers-Reid-Huq-Rahman/p/book/9780415623704Abstract
Everyone on Earth is dependent on nature for their well-being through the provision of water, food, shelter and clean air to breathe. Human behaviour also changes nature, thus making natural and human systems intricately connected and dependent on one another. Climate change and how people adapt to it affects these interconnected systems. This chapter explores the benefits of taking an approach to climate change adaption that integrates ecosystems into adaptation strategies to build the resilience of vulnerable people and the natural systems on which they depend. It describes the principles behind ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation and explains how these can help increase people’s resilience to climate change. It stresses that ecosystems function at different spatial and temporal scales and proposes that understanding these scales and working with them – in addition to social, institutional and political scales – can help ensure adaptation initiatives are effective. Likewise, it stresses that when assessing trade-offs to inform adaptation planning, ecosystems and the services they provide need to be integrated into such assessments. The chapter argues that in many instances, effective scaling up of adaptation initiatives will not be possible without considering these ecosystem-related issues in planning and implementation.
Ecosystem-based adaptationClimate change adaptationHuman well-being & developmentKey lessons for incorporating natural infrastructure into regional climate adaptation planning
Ocean and Coastal Management (2014). Methodological Article. Original Research.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569114000854Abstract
Sea-level rise, potential changes in the intensity and frequency of storms, and consequent shoreline erosion and flooding will have increasing impacts on the economy and culture of coastal regions. A growing body of evidence suggests that coastal ecosystems—natural infrastructure—can play an important role in reducing the vulnerability of people and property to these impacts. To effectively inform climate adaptation planning, experts often struggle to develop relevant local and regional information at a scale that is appropriate for decision-making. In addition, institutional capacity and resource constraints often limit planners’ ability to incorporate innovative, scientifically based approaches into planning. In this paper, we detail our collaborative process in two coastal California counties to account for the role of natural infrastructure in climate adaptation planning. We used an interdisciplinary team of scientists, economists, engineers, and law and policy experts and planners, and an iterative engagement process to (1) identify natural infrastructure that is geographically relevant to local jurisdictional planning units, (2) refine data and models to reflect regional processes, and (3) develop metrics likely to resonate within the local decision contexts. Using an open source decision-support tool, we demonstrated that protecting existing natural infrastructure—including coastal dunes and wetlands—could reduce the vulnerability of water resource-related structures, coastal populations, and farmland most exposed to coastal flooding and erosion. This information formed part of the rationale for priority climate adaptation projects the county governments are now pursuing. Our collaborative and iterative approach, as well as replicable use of an open source decision-support tool, facilitated inclusion of relevant natural infrastructure information into regional climate adaptation planning processes and products. This approach can be applied in diverse coastal climate adaptation planning contexts to locate and characterize the degree to which specific natural habitats can reduce vulnerability to sea-level rise and storms.
Ecosystem-based disaster risk reductionInfrastructure-related approachesClimate change adaptationDisaster risk reductionCoastlineWetlandClimate risk adaptation by smallholder farmers: the roles of trees and agroforestry
Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability (2014). Review.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877343513001619Abstract
Smallholder farmers are vulnerable to environmental, climate and weather-related stress, including climate change. There is an increase in understanding of the benefits of agroforestry systems both at farm and landscape scales, and that incorporating trees on farms through agroforestry systems has emerged as having the potential to enhance the resilience of smallholders to current and future climate risks including future climate change. Drawing on global examples with a focus on African case studies, this paper demonstrates the versatile roles of trees and agroforestry in reducing smallholder’s exposure to climate-related risks. It goes on to identify challenges in the promotion and adoption of agroforestry at the farm and landscape levels as a climate change adaptation strategy. The paper highlights areas for further research, policy and dissemination efforts, and identifies entry points for agroforestry adoption.
Ecosystem-based adaptationNature-based agricultural systemsClimate change adaptationFood and water securityArtificial Landscapes - TerrestrialEnhancing the Global Ocean Observing System to meet evidence based needs for the ecosystem-based management of coastal ecosystem services
Natural Resources Forum (2014). Methodological Article.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1477-8947.12045/fullAbstract
Ecosystem-based approaches (EBAs) to managing anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems, adapting to changes in ecosystem states (indicators of ecosystem health), and mitigating the impacts of state changes on ecosystem services are needed for sustainable development. EBAs are informed by integrated ecosystem assessments (IEAs) that must be compiled and updated frequently for EBAs to be effective. Frequently updated IEAs depend on the sustained provision of data and information on pressures, state changes, and impacts of state changes on services. Nowhere is this truer than in the coastal zone, where people and ecosystem services are concentrated and where anthropogenic pressures converge. This study identifies the essential indicator variables required for the sustained provision of frequently updated IEAs, and offers an approach to establishing a global network of coastal observations within the framework of the Global Ocean Observing System. The need for and challenges of capacity-building are highlighted, and examples are given of current programmes that could contribute to the implementation of a coastal ocean observing system of systems on a global scale. This illustrates the need for new approaches to ocean governance that can achieve coordinated integration of existing programmes and technologies as a first step towards this goal.
Ecosystem-based adaptationEcosystem-based managementClimate change adaptationEcosystem healthCoastlineMarineAchieving mitigation and adaptation to climate change through sustainable agroforestry practices in Africa
Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability (2014). Review.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877343513001255Abstract
Agroforestry is one of the most conspicuous land use systems across landscapes and agroecological zones in Africa. With food shortages and increased threats of climate change, interest in agroforestry is gathering for its potential to address various on-farm adaptation needs, and fulfill many roles in AFOLU-related mitigation pathways. Agroforestry provides assets and income from carbon, wood energy, improved soil fertility and enhancement of local climate conditions; it provides ecosystem services and reduces human impacts on natural forests. Most of these benefits have direct benefits for local adaptation while contributing to global efforts to control atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. This paper presents recent findings on how agroforestry as a sustainable practice helps to achieve both mitigation and adaptation objectives while remaining relevant to the livelihoods of the poor smallholder farmers in Africa.
Ecosystem-based adaptationEcosystem-based mitigationClimate change adaptationClimate change mitigationFood and water securityArtificial Landscapes - TerrestrialEcosystem-Based Adaptation for Food Security in the AIMS SIDS: Integrating External and Local Knowledge
Sustainability (2014). Systematic Review.
http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/6/9/5566Abstract
This paper critically reviews ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approaches for food security under climate change, specifically for the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) comprising the Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS) region. The focus is on integrating different knowledge forms. An analysis of current EbA approaches for food security is undertaken, alongside a review of methodologies for integrating local and external knowledge. Key gaps and actions for EbA for food security in the AIMS region, and potentially further afield, are identified. The gaps indicate the lack of coherence in AIMS SIDS approaching food security, in terms of policies and actions not reflecting the ecosystem-food-climate nexus, the lack of a regional framework despite similarities amongst the SIDS, and the infrequency with which knowledge integration occurs. To fill these gaps, suggested actions highlight knowledge identification and combination, learning from others and from history, using local champions, and regularly monitoring and evaluating progress. These actions will push forward the EbA agenda through improved development and use of knowledge, better connections amongst the AIMS SIDS and farther afield, and more local-national-regional collaboration.
Ecosystem-based adaptationClimate change adaptationFood and water securityArtificial Landscapes - TerrestrialNatural hazards in a changing world: A case for ecosystem-based management
PloS one (2014). Original Research.
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0095942Abstract
Communities worldwide are increasingly affected by natural hazards such as floods, droughts, wildfires and storm-waves. However, the causes of these increases remain underexplored, often attributed to climate changes or changes in the patterns of human exposure. This paper aims to quantify the effect of climate change, as well as land cover change, on a suite of natural hazards. Changes to four natural hazards (floods, droughts, wildfires and storm-waves) were investigated through scenario-based models using land cover and climate change drivers as inputs. Findings showed that human-induced land cover changes are likely to increase natural hazards, in some cases quite substantially. Of the drivers explored, the uncontrolled spread of invasive alien trees was estimated to halve the monthly flows experienced during extremely dry periods, and also to double fire intensities. Changes to plantation forestry management shifted the 1:100 year flood event to a 1:80 year return period in the most extreme scenario. Severe 1:100 year storm-waves were estimated to occur on an annual basis with only modest human-induced coastal hardening, predominantly from removal of coastal foredunes and infrastructure development. This study suggests that through appropriate land use management (e.g. clearing invasive alien trees, re-vegetating clear-felled forests, and restoring coastal foredunes), it would be possible to reduce the impacts of natural hazards to a large degree. It also highlights the value of intact and well-managed landscapes and their role in reducing the probabilities and impacts of extreme climate events.
Ecosystem-based disaster risk reductionEcosystem-based adaptationEcosystem-based managementClimate change adaptationDisaster risk reductionCoastlineThe role of seagrasses in coastal protection in a changing climate
Coastal Engineering (2014). Review.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378383913001889Abstract
The contribution of seagrasses to coastal protection is examined through the review of the most relevant existing knowledge. Seagrasses are the largest submerged aquatic vegetation ecosystem protected in Europe and it is worth examining their contribution to coastal protection. The review performed highlights incident energy flux, density, standing biomass and plant stiffness as the main physical and biological factors influencing the efficiency of the protection provided by seagrasses. The main conclusion achieved is that seagrass meadows cannot protect shorelines in every location and/or scenario. The optimal conditions for enhancing the protection supplied might be achieved in shallow waters and low wave energy environments, with high interaction surface, at the vertical and horizontal dimension, between water flow and seagrasses. Likewise, the most favorable protection might be provided by large, long living and slow growing seagrass species, with biomass being largely independent of seasonal fluctuations and with the maximum standing biomass reached under the highest hydrodynamic forcings. It is shown that seawater warming, increasing storms and sea level rise, together with the increasing population and anthropogenic threats in the coastal area may lead to rates of change too fast to allow seagrasses to adapt and keep their coastal defense service. Finally, to amend the decline of seagrasses and consequent coastal protection loss, different artificial and natural adaptation measures are provided.
Ecosystem-based disaster risk reductionEcological engineeringDisaster risk reductionMarineForest Dependent Indigenous Communities’ Perception and Adaptation to Climate Change through Local Knowledge in the Protected Area-A Bangladesh Case Study
Climate (2014). Original Research.
http://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/4/1/12Abstract
Forest-dependent indigenous communities rely on natural resources for their livelihoods, but those are currently under threat due to many factors, including the adverse impact of climate change. The present study looks into climate change-related perception and adaptation strategies of three forest-dependent indigenous communities, namely, Khasia, Tripura and Garo in the Lawachara National Park of Northeastern Bangladesh. Household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observation methods were used to unveil the climatic events, impacts and related adaptations. The events include the change in temperature and rainfall patterns, landslide, soil erosion and flash flood, heavy cold and fog, and natural calamities. Moreover, livelihood problems emanating from these events are the drying up of streams and wells, irregular rainfall, increased dieback and mortality of seedlings, pests, diseases, and the attack of crops by wild animals. Likewise, the reduction of soil moisture content, growing season and crop productivity, landslides, damage of roads and culverts, and increased human diseases are common. This study recognized 29 adaptation strategies and divided them into six management categories, drawing on their local knowledge of the natural resources and other technologies. The study reveals that, although adaptation strategies through land use and land cover changes are not enough to sustain their livelihoods, the tactics help them to reduce the risk of, and increase food security and community resilience against, climate change.
Community-based adaptationEcosystem-based adaptationClimate change adaptationFood and water securityHuman well-being & developmentArtificial Landscapes - TerrestrialForest‘Solid–fluid–gas’: the state of knowledge on carbon-sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in Africa
Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability (2014). Review.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877343513001206Abstract
The perception that agroforestry systems have higher potential to sequester carbon than comparable single-species crop systems or pasture systems is based on solid scientific foundation. However, the estimates of carbon stock of agroforestry systems in Africa — reported to range from 1.0 to 18.0 Mg C ha1 in aboveground biomass and up to 200 Mg C ha1 in soils, and their C sequestration potential from 0.4 to 3.5 Mg C ha1 yr1 –are based on generalizations and vague or faulty assumptions and therefore are of poor scientific value. Although agroforestry initiatives are promising pathways for climate-change mitigation, rigorous scientific procedures of carbon sequestration estimations are needed for realizing their full potential.
Ecosystem-based mitigationNature-based agricultural systemsClimate change mitigationArtificial Landscapes - TerrestrialForestA natural focus for community-based adaptation
Practical Action Publishing (2014). Book (chapter).
https://doi.org/10.3362/9781780447902Abstract
Abstract waiting
Ecosystem-based adaptationClimate change adaptationHuman well-being & developmentAgroforestry with N2-fixing trees: sustainable development’s friend or foe?
Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability (2014). Review.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877343513001218Abstract
Legume tree-based farming systems sit at a crucial nexus of agroecological sustainability. Their capacity to support microbial N2 fixation can increase soil nitrogen (N) availability and therefore improve soil fertility, crop yields, and support long-term stewardship of natural resources. However, increasing N availability oftentimes catalyzes the release of N into the surrounding environment, in particular nitrous oxide (N2O) — a potent greenhouse gas. We summarize current knowledge on the agroecological footprint of legume-based agroforestry and provide a first appraisal of whether the technology represents a pathway toward sustainable development or an environmental hazard.
Nature-based agricultural systemsClimate change mitigationFood and water securityArtificial Landscapes - TerrestrialA new paradigm for water? A comparative review of integrated, adaptive and ecosystem-based water management in the Anthropocene
International Journal of Water Resources and Development (2014). Review.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2014.907087Abstract
The failure of conventional approaches to achieve equitable and sustainable water management has prompted a new way of perceiving and acting with water. This is creating a ‘new water paradigm’ that emphasizes broader stakeholder involvement; integration of sectors, issues and disciplines; attention to the human dimensions of management; and wider recognition of the economic, ecological and cultural values of water. This article reviews three approaches arising within the new water paradigm: integrated water resources management; ecosystem-based approaches; and adaptive management. The article concludes that the strengths of each approach address different moral and ecological challenges. Combining these strengths, while minimizing tensions, may contribute to more effective water management in the Anthropocene.
Ecosystem-based adaptationEcosystem-based managementClimate change adaptationFood and water security