Sometimes, the most efficient and innovative solutions are the very ones we have always had right before our eyes.

Indeed, while the climate and environmental challenges awaiting us in the coming decades will become increasingly urgent and impactful for society as a whole, nature itself provides us with tools that, though neither exclusive nor perfect, can help address these challenges.

We are not talking about a magic formula, but about the so-called Nature-based Solutions (NBS), which are well-known and highly valued by those who make environmental management their profession.

NBS, or «solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, provide environmental, social, and economic benefits while contributing to resilience; these solutions enhance the presence and diversity of nature, as well as natural characteristics and processes, in cities and across terrestrial and marine landscapes through locally adapted, resource-efficient systemic interventions» [1].

In short, a concept that, although new, describes something entirely natural.

Natural, precisely because it draws benefit and inspiration from nature itself, but new because it stands in contrast to conventional systems.

In essence, these solutions represent a meeting point between nature and humans, respecting mutual needs and benefiting the entire system. Not only do they serve as concrete solutions to issues related to nature conservation and climate change adaptation, but they also incorporate an integrated and systemic approach that enhances and fosters social, economic, and cultural aspects.

Their key strength, especially in the era of climate change, lies precisely in their adaptability and resilience. Combined with the economic feasibility of these solutions, they ensure a level of applicability, reuse, and rapid transformation that is hardly matched by traditional solutions.

Thinking about the most classic examples of rural and urban infrastructure, such as those for water supply, heating and cooling, drainage, and lighting, traditional systems—if not supported by rapid and continuous innovations—can become obsolete or unsuitable in the face of changing environmental, climatic, and socio-economic conditions. However, where these traditional systems struggle to keep pace, NBS can ensure continuity and adaptability.

And there are numerous examples of this.

Fig. 1: Adige River with sediment deposits specifically created to maintain aquatic biodiversity. Nalles/Nals (Bolzano/Bozen). Photo: Author. 19.05.2022

URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

For urban environments, the design of new green areas with tree planting, permeable pavements, basins with phytoremediation species, and green roofs ensures biodiversity, water management, and mitigation of heat waves at the same time [2].

In this context, a primary indicator is the concept of Ecosystem Services, which represent the benefits that humans can derive from nature itself [3].

An emblematic example of Nature-based design in urban spaces is the study conducted for the city of Trento [4], aimed at determining and quantifying, through ecosystem services, the structural elements of urban planning and consequently proposing the most suitable design solutions.

RURAL ENVIRONMENTS

For rural environments, the use of NBS applies both to land management and protection against extreme events (floods, avalanches, landslides) and to the implementation of innovative techniques for agricultural production.

For the first case, an emblematic example is the result achieved with the creation of the Groviglio infiltration basin, serving the municipality of Genoa [5]. In a context of intense urbanization and a lack of green spaces, the creation of a basin in one of the city’s few rural areas ensures flood peak reduction, water storage, increased infiltration, enhanced biodiversity and ecological connectivity, as well as a public space for social interactions.

In the agricultural sector, many agro-silvopastoral practices, as well as ecological regimes and sustainable agriculture, contribute to defining a variety of NBS practices. These practices aim not only to enhance farmers’ productivity but also to provide public goods and services simultaneously, without impacting market prices [6].

In short, these are simple, technically reliable, resilient, and even profitable solutions. However, as with any topic related to the environment, there are multiple facets to consider. While it is true that NBS can support and often effectively replace more traditional solutions, it is essential to acknowledge the complexity and uniqueness of the environments in which they are applied. NBS should not be seen as magical, one-size-fits-all solutions to every problem. The integration with other grey solutions, the study of local community needs, and the proper planning and maintenance of the adopted NBS are fundamental to ensuring their effective and long-lasting implementation.

Finally, it is important to consider not only the adoption of NBS for already developed urban and rural environments, where economic investment and public interest are certainly higher, but also for developing areas, where the need for concrete, cost-effective, and highly resilient actions is even greater.

This article is part of the project “Quiz Ambientali per un Trentino Più Verde!” carried out by Econtrovertia APS and sponsored by Fondazione Cassa Rurale di Trento (Notice of Approval of December 20, 2024).

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