As the impacts of climate change intensify, the global water cycle is experiencing unprecedented disruptions. From more frequent and severe floods to prolonged droughts and dwindling freshwater resources, water-related challenges are among the most critical issues facing humanity at present and continuing. Conventional approaches to water management, often reliant on grey infrastructure, are increasingly proving inadequate. In this context, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) emerge as a transformative approach that harnesses the power of natural processes to enhance water resilience. This Research Topic will explore the potential of NbS to address the complex and interlinked challenges of water management in a changing climate.

Nature-based Solutions involve the sustainable management and use of natural systems, such as wetlands, forests, lakes and rivers, to provide ecosystem services that support water resilience. These solutions not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also offer co-benefits, including biodiversity conservation, improved human well-being, and enhanced socio-economic resilience. Despite their promise, the integration of NbS into mainstream water management remains limited, often due to knowledge gaps, institutional barriers, and a lack of robust evidence on their long-term effectiveness.

This Research Topic seeks to advance the understanding and application of NbS for water resilience by bringing together cutting-edge research from diverse disciplines. We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following key areas:

1. Hydrological, Land Surface and Climate Modelling: Studies that develop and apply models to predict the impacts of NbS on water cycles (including water quality) under various future climate scenarios. This includes the role of NbS in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and maintaining water quality during and after the extreme weather events.

2. Data-driven Studies: Contributions including novel aspects of using observed as well as the remote sensing data for regional-scale NbS adaptability for water resilience

3. Ecosystem-based Adaptation: Research that explores how restoring or conserving ecosystems, such as mangroves, wetlands, and forests, can buffer communities against the impacts of climate change. This includes case studies demonstrating successful implementation of ecosystem-based approaches in different geographical and socio-economic contexts.

4. Socio-Economic and Governance Dimensions: Papers that investigate the socio-economic benefits of NbS, including cost-effectiveness compared to grey infrastructure, as well as the governance challenges involved in scaling up these solutions. Contributions that explore the role of community engagement, policy frameworks, and multi-stakeholder partnerships are particularly welcome.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Research focused on developing metrics and methodologies for assessing the effectiveness and sustainability of NbS over time. This includes studies that track the performance of NbS projects in terms of water resilience, biodiversity outcomes, and social benefits.

6. Innovative NbS Designs and Technologies: Contributions that present novel designs, technologies, or approaches to NbS, such as the integration of NbS with smart water management systems, or hybrid solutions that combine natural and engineered infrastructure.

By compiling research from these areas, this Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in NbS for water resilience. It will offer valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to harness the potential of natural systems in building resilient water futures under the looming threat of climate change – thus ensuring the future global water security.

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Frontiers in Water

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