Nature-based Solutions for sustainable development

Nature-based solutions (NbS) have become pivotal in addressing the multitude of environmental, ecological, and socio-economic challenges that the world currently faces, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. With the increasing pressures from urbanization and agricultural expansion, the natural systems are at risk, leading to adverse effects including soil erosion, habitat destruction, and reduced ecosystem services. Compounded by the impacts of climate change, these issues call for urgent and effective methods to maintain the balance of natural ecosystems and ensure regional sustainable development. Recent studies emphasize the potential of NbS in mitigating these challenges, as they harness natural processes to provide sustainable and resilient outcomes.

This Research Topic aims to explore the significant potential of integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into global and regional, multi-dimensional management practices and optimized improvements. Specifically, it seeks to illuminate how NbS can enhance ecosystem resilience, sustain biodiversity, and meet the growing demands for material resources in a sustainable manner. By investigating the intersection of ecological, social, and economic objectives through NbS, the research intends to advance scholarly understanding and practical applications of these solutions within diverse contexts. Leading questions include how NbS can effectively mitigate land degradation, ensure food security, strengthen carbon sequestration, and support rural and underserved communities.

In exploring the comprehensive pathways of sustainable development, this scope encompasses a wide range of themes. We welcome articles, including original research, review articles, and case studies, that address but are not limited to:

• NbS for climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as afforestation and soil restoration.
• The role of NbS in promoting biodiversity and enhancing essential ecosystem services.
• Successful examples of regional sustainable management practices.
• The importance of NbS in urban planning, incorporating urban green spaces and infrastructure.
• Policy frameworks and governance structures supporting NbS implementation.
• The economic and social impacts of NbS, particularly within vulnerable communities.
• Innovative technologies and data-driven approaches that enhance NbS implementation.

With a focus on these themes, this collection seeks to guide the implementation of NbS as sustainable strategies for building more equitable and resilient futures.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Nature-based Solutions, Land Use, NbS, sustainable land management, ecosystem services, urban green infrastructure, urban planning, climate change mitigation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.