A Framework to Evaluate the SDG Contribution of Fluvial Nature-Based Solutions

Tatiana Andrikopoulou,Astrid Blom,Chris J Spray,Cor A Schipper,Ralph M J Schielen

doi:10.3390/su132011320

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are measures reflecting the ‘cooperation with nature’ approach: mitigating fluvial flood risk while being cost-effective, resource-efficient, and providing numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits. Since 2015, the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda has provided UN member states with goals, targets, and indicators to facilitate an integrated approach focusing on economic, environmental, and social improvements simultaneously. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of fluvial NBSs to the UN 2030 Agenda, using all its components: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targets, and indicators. We propose a four-step framework with inputs from the UN 2030 Agenda, scientific literature, and case studies. The framework provides a set of fluvial flooding indicators that are linked to SDG indicators of the UN 2030 Agenda. Finally, the fluvial flooding indicators are tested by applying them to a case study, the Eddleston Water Project, aiming to examine its contribution to the UN 2030 Agenda. This reveals that the Eddleston Water Project contributes to 9 SDGs and 33 SDG targets from environmental, economic, societal, policy, and technical perspectives. Our framework aims to enhance the systematic considerations of the SDG indicators, adjust their notion to the system of interest, and thereby enhance the link between the sustainability performance of NBSs and the UN 2030 Agenda.

Highlights

IntroductionThis accounts for 56% of all those negatively affected by weather-related disasters such as droughts, storms, landslides, and extreme temperatures (64.4 million/year)
Published: 13 October 2021According to the United Nations (UN) 2015 report, ‘The Human Cost of WeatherRelated Disasters’ [1], flooding has negatively affected 2.3 billion people over the last20 years
We focus on Nature-based solutions (NBSs) projects for fluvial flood risk mitigation (FFRM) implemented in riverine ecosystems up to 100 km2, which is a smaller scale than that examined in riverine environments to date

Summary

Introduction

This accounts for 56% of all those negatively affected by weather-related disasters such as droughts, storms, landslides, and extreme temperatures (64.4 million/year). For fluvial floods, the number of affected people under the most extreme river flooding scenario and without further adaptation may rise from 39 million people per year to 134 million people per year by 2050. Climate change is an important driver for implementing sustainable practices in protecting and managing river ecosystems. In this context, the UN 2030 Agenda [4] has provided international and national governments with goals, targets, and indicators to facilitate an integrated approach focusing on economic, environmental, and social improvements

Objectives

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Discussion

Conclusion