Solutions Based on Nature to Face Water Stress: Lessons from the Past and Present

Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer effective strategies to address water stress, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. A recent study highlights three case studies from Brazil, Panama, and Portugal, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of NbS in providing water security while also supporting ecosystem resilience and cultural heritage. The Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro demonstrates centuries of forest management that initially aimed to secure water for the city during the 19th century. Similarly, the Panama Canal Watershed and traditional weirs in Portugal's Alentejo Region illustrate how NbS can sustain water provisioning even under climate change pressures. These cases underscore the importance of integrating traditional human activities with modern conservation efforts to ensure social equity and long-term sustainability.

Suman, D. O., Morais, M., & Saito, C. H. (2024). Solutions Based on Nature to Face Water Stress: Lessons from the Past and Present. Water, 16(16), 2301. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16162301