As global water scarcity and pollution increase, finding sustainable methods for managing water resources is crucial. Nature-based solutions (NBS) provide an environmentally friendly approach to managing water by using natural processes to treat and store water while enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. These solutions are not only effective but also contribute to the development of more sustainable and circular water management systems.
Constructed wetlands, one of the most widely used NBS, mimic the filtering capacity of natural wetlands. These systems use plants, soil, and microbial activity to treat wastewater, removing pollutants and reducing the need for chemical treatments. By naturally filtering contaminants, constructed wetlands can be applied in both urban and rural settings to improve water quality for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) and green walls are key components of NBS for water management. SUDS, including green roofs, permeable pavements, and vegetated swales, manage stormwater runoff by allowing water to infiltrate the ground, reducing flood risk and enhancing groundwater recharge. Green walls, which are vertical gardens integrated into building facades, not only help manage rainwater but also provide cooling benefits in urban environments, reducing the urban heat island effect. Both green walls and SUDS contribute to the regulation of temperature, improving urban microclimates and reducing energy demands for cooling.
These systems also offer significant co-benefits beyond water management. They provide vital ecosystem services, such as enhancing urban biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and improving air quality. By creating green spaces and corridors within cities, NBS support wildlife, help mitigate climate change, and improve the overall quality of life for urban residents. Cities like Copenhagen and Singapore have successfully integrated NBS into their urban planning, using these solutions to address water challenges while benefiting local ecosystems.
By adopting nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands, SUDS, and green walls, we can build more resilient, sustainable water management systems. These approaches not only address water scarcity and pollution but also offer long-term co-benefits, including climate adaptation, habitat creation, and the reduction of urban heat islands.
(Photo by Amritanshu Sikdar on Unsplash)
Coordinator of WASH (Water Hygiene and Sanitation) and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for sustainable development programs at the Solidarity Foundation of the University of Barcelona (FSUB), adjunct professor at the Biology, Healthcare and Environment Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences of the University of Barcelona (UB) and member of HIDROSEC (Sanitary, Cooperation and Economic Hydrology) research group (UB)