Connecting water, biodiversity and cultural ecosystems services – research and practice

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are approaches where water and nature dimensions are much interconnected. Recent international recommendations advise on the importance of giving to NBS the opportunity of providing a whole range of benefits, from water management and biodiversity enhancement to promoting a spectrum of societal benefits. This work presents an overview of these opportunities and illustrates NBS that connect water, biodiversity and cultural ecosystems services. Insights from the NATURELAB research project, with 15 experimental sites across six different countries, provide diverse natural environments and geographic contexts. This variety enables the exploration of NBS aiming at promoting health, well-being, and environmental sustainability. In parallel, the Corredor do Rio Leça (CRL) exemplifies an innovative model of governance. This association of municipalities focuses on the restoration and enhancement of the Leça River's ecosystem, specifically its riverbed and banks. By prioritizing biodiversity restoration, climate resilience, and community well-being, the CRL exhibits a practical application of NBS principles in a collaborative governance framework. It was demonstrated, in theory and practice, how the NATURELAB and CRL approaches towards expanding NBS are both aligned and provide mutual opportunities for learning. Both showcase real examples that can inspire other regions globally to harness the full potential of NBS.