Perceptions of nature-based solutions for Urban Water challenges: Insights from Australian researchers and practitioners

Abstract

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have recently gained traction as integrated approaches that can address societal challenges by simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. Among the benefits of NBS, their capacity to address urban water challenges – such as inland and coastal flooding –while providing ecological benefits has been a recent area of focus globally. While interventions that are labelled ‘Nature-Based Solutions’ have been widely integrated into policy and practice in Europe, the term has not been extensively adopted in Australian policy and praxis. This research examines how Australian water professionals from research and practice understand, conceptualise and use the concept, ‘Nature-Based Solutions’ (NBS) in addressing urban water challenges. We interviewed 27 water professionals in research and practice with diverse disciplinary backgrounds across four Australian states and asked them to provide their definition of NBS. The results show that alternative terminologies such as Green Infrastructure and Water Sensitive Urban Design are predominantly used. We present the participants’ perspectives on the adoption of this term in Australia, and discuss the value and contributions of NBS as an umbrella concept. We conclude by providing insights on the potentials and limitations of the term, and propose ways to move beyond a focus on terminology and definitions towards facilitating the uptake and implementation of NBS in our cities.