Deriving targeted intervention packages of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction: A geospatial multi-criteria approach for building resilience in the Puna region, Peru

Abstract

Emergent complex climate risks challenge conventional approaches for climate adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). This situation demands new ways of addressing climate risks with integrated solutions. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are promising CCA and DRR given their cost-effectiveness, multifunctionality and low-regret condition in addressing a wide range of risks exacerbated by climate change. However, little attention has been paid to exploring methodological approaches for combining NbS to reduce climate risks. Still, selecting the appropriate and effective combination of NbS is a challenging task. This research applies a geospatial multi-criteria approach for developing intervention packages of NbS for CCA and DRR and applies this innovative methodology to a case study area in the Puna region in Peru. The study started with an in-depth literature analysis coupled with a participatory process with local experts to identify and select locally valid NbS for CCA and DRR. Building upon that, the overall multi-criteria approach was developed, which consists of a matrix-based procedure to evaluate the applicability of relevant measures and their feasibility of being combined in intervention packages. Then, the multi-criteria analysis was integrated into a Geographic Information System using a spatial analysis model to map suitable intervention areas. Next to the methodological innovation, the multi-criteria approach was applied to a case study area to generate a place-based intervention package for addressing the risk of reduced water provision considering climate change conditions, with its respective potential intervention sites differentiated by the appropriate measures. This methodological approach is a novel and pragmatic support tool that helps practitioners design more robust and effective interventions for building resilience to climate change. Furthermore, this methodological approach involves shifting the perspective from activities focused on “one-size-fits-all-solution” to "multi-solution" strategic interventions that address climate risks more comprehensively, recognizing the dynamics and complexities of the social-ecological systems. The authors encourage researchers and practitioners to transfer the methodological approach to other contexts and, with that, accelerate the efficient and targeted implementation of NbS for building resilience to climate change.