Nature-based solutions projects have emerged as an innovative approach to confronting the issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem restoration. These solutions harness the power of nature to provide ecological, social and economic benefits. While this may seem simple in theory, many people don’t understand exactly what a nature-based solution is and how they can drive positive change.
So, let’s delve into five real-world examples of nature-based solutions across Europe that are making a difference in the fight for climate resilience.
1. Wetland restoration: LIFE Wetlands4Cities, Belgium and the Netherlands
Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that provide flood control, habitat for wildlife and water purification. According to the EU’s Biodiversity Information System for Europe, Europe has over 174,000 km² of wetlands, mostly in poor condition.
Dutch independent volunteer association, Natuurpunt, manages the LIFE Wetlands4Cities project, a five-year initiative with a budget of €7.7 million to create five new urban wetlands around Mechelen, Belgium and Tilburg, Netherlands. The project’s goal is to enhance the resilience of these cities and the surrounding natural and agricultural areas to climate change by fostering interaction between urban environments and wetland habitats. The project team will apply an integrated approach to water management, with wetlands as a nature-based solution for both the storage of water and a cooling effect.
2. Urban green spaces and parks: BIG5LIFE, Spain, Italy and Greece
Cities around the world are increasingly investing in green infrastructure to improve urban living conditions. One increasingly common method of doing this is through Building-Integrated-Greenery (BIG) systems. These systems incorporate vegetation into buildings for cooling, air purification, noise reduction, and water saving.
The BIG4LIFE project is currently focused on greening three cities with this system: Lleida and Barcelona in Spain, Genoa in Italy and Patras in Greece. The project promotes ‘xeriscaping’ techniques, which create landscapes requiring minimal irrigation. Xeriscaping replaces water-intensive lawns with rocks, soil and native plants that tolerate drought, and uses drip hoses instead of sprinklers. This approach is vital for Mediterranean cities like Barcelona, which face rising temperatures and water shortages, evidenced by temperatures reaching 40°C this summer.
3. Agroforestry practices: REFOREST project, Europe
Agroforestry, the integration of trees into agriculture, is revolutionizing sustainable farming practices. Initiatives such as REFOREST are leveraging current understanding of temperate agroforestry to develop solutions to challenges preventing its widespread use by EU farmers.
Its main goal is to boost agroforestry and sustainable food production by integrating the value of carbon and biodiversity into agroforestry business models. Through an open science approach, the project aims to accurately reflect the ecological, economic and social benefits and restrictions of agroforestry in decision-making, verification and financial support tools.
4. Coral reef restoration: Deep CORE, Spain
Coral reefs are critical to marine life and protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage. Restoration projects have employ techniques like coral gardening to revive damaged reefs. These efforts support biodiversity, boost local fisheries, and enhance eco-tourism, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Deep CORE, a project focused on restoring the coral ecosystem at Punta de la Mona, off the coast of the region of Granada in Spain. Corals here serve as the foundation of the ecosystem, as many marine species rely on them for reproduction, nourishment and habitat.
These cold-water coral ecosystems can support up to 29 times more wildlife than areas lacking corals. Thus, revitalizing corals is crucial for maintaining a marine region with diverse and healthy biodiversity. Project actions include seabed clean-ups, initiatives to restore the coral ecosystem and educational programs to raise awareness among local communities and tourists.
Nature-based solutions projects for a sustainable future
These examples highlight the transformative potential of nature-based solutions projects. By leveraging nature’s inherent processes, these projects create sustainable and resilient communities that not only protect the planet but also enhance human well-being. As we face increasing environmental challenges, embracing nature-based solutions offers a promising path forward for a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
Dulra provides customisable, modular solutions for nature-based solutions projects designed to streamline funding, data management, project coordination and reporting. Learn more.
