Topic Editors

Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81132 Mytilene, Greece
Directorate of Engineering the Future, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Salford, Newton Building, Greater Manchester M5 4WT, UK
Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Tuscia University, Via S. C. de Lellis, snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Dr. Arshiya Noorani
Plant Conservation Consultant, Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy

Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition

Abstract submission deadline
closed (15 October 2024)
Manuscript submission deadline
15 December 2024
Viewed by
7561

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

'Nature-based solutions' (NbS) is an umbrella term for ecosystem-based approaches. It involves acting with natural principles to achieve development goals and address challenges, while benefitting humans and the environment. The NbS approach includes collaboration with local communities, focusing on key elements such as: the protection, restoration or management of ecosystems and ecosystem services; the sustainable management of water systems, coastal areas, arable, grassland, and forest areas; and the creation of green zones in and around urban and peri-urban areas. In this multidisciplinary topic, studies focus on, inter alia, (a) ecosystem restoration, (b) ecosystem-based adaptation and climate change adaptation, (c) natural and green infrastructures, (d) ecosystem-based management approaches, (e) ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, (f) circular economy, and (g) nature-based solutions, are warmly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos
Prof. Dr. Miklas Scholz
Dr. Mario A. Pagnotta
Dr. Arshiya Noorani
Topic Editors

 

Keywords

  • ecosystem restoration
  • ecosystem-based adaptation
  • ecosystem-based management
  • biodiversity conservation and management
  • climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • green infrastructures
  • circular economy
  • genetic diversity
  • integrated constructed wetlands
  • phytoremediation
  • ecosystem services
  • nature-based solutions

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Diversity
diversity
2.1 3.4 2009 15.4 Days CHF 2100 Submit
Forests
forests
2.4 4.4 2010 16.9 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Land
land
3.2 4.9 2012 17.8 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Plants
plants
4.0 6.5 2012 18.2 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 6.8 2009 20 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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14 pages, 6887 KiB  
Article
Diversity and Geographic Distribution Patterns of Wild Magnoliaceae Species in China
by Weihao Yao, Yu Fan, Zenghui Wang, Danyang Liu, Zeyang Ding and Jing Ou
Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9448; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219448 (registering DOI) - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Magnoliaceae, an ancient lineage of relict plants, were once extensively distributed throughout geological history. Understanding their species diversity, geographic distribution patterns, and hotspots is essential for providing a theoretical foundation for germplasm resource assessment, conservation, and utilization. This study presents a comprehensive catalog [...] Read more.
Magnoliaceae, an ancient lineage of relict plants, were once extensively distributed throughout geological history. Understanding their species diversity, geographic distribution patterns, and hotspots is essential for providing a theoretical foundation for germplasm resource assessment, conservation, and utilization. This study presents a comprehensive catalog of wild Magnoliaceae species in China, derived from an extensive literature review integrating geographic distribution and endemism data. Utilizing GIS 10.2 software, we analyzed data from up to July 2024, revealing that China hosts 157 wild Magnoliaceae species across 13 genera, including 11 varieties, two subspecies, and three forms. These species are distributed across 24 provincial-level administrative regions, including special administrative regions and municipalities. Yunnan Province exhibits the highest species richness, with 12 genera and 94 species, followed by Guizhou, with 9 genera and 65 species, and Guangxi, with 9 genera and 62 species. At the county level, species are found in 609 regions, with Malipo County in Yunnan recording the highest count (32 species), followed by Leishan County in Guizhou (28 species). Vertically, Magnoliaceae are most abundant in the H3 elevation band (1000 < H3 ≤ 1500 m), while the H7 elevation band (H7 > 3000 m) shows the lowest species diversity. China has two endemic genera, Pachylarnax and Woonyoungia, along with 102 endemic species, of which Michelia accounts for the highest number of endemics at 33. The species composition in Guizhou shows significant similarity to that in Guangxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan, indicating close phylogenetic relationships among these floras. The Yunnan–Guizhou–Guangxi region is identified as a “modern distribution center”, “diversity preservation center”, “hotspot”, and “refuge” for wild Magnoliaceae in China. This study highlights the importance of understanding the diversity and distribution patterns of wild Magnoliaceae for the effective conservation, development, and sustainable utilization of plant resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 5836 KiB  
Review
Phytoremediation of Mercury Contamination: Bibliometric Analysis
by Lina Mosquera Chaverra, Diego Paredes Cuervo, Ana López Gutiérrez, Carlos A. Arias and Pedro N. Carvalho
Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9408; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219408 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Mercury is classified as one of the world’s most toxic and dangerous pollutants as it tends to bioaccumulate and biomagnify within the trophic chain and is persistent. Various approaches are available to remediate Hg-affected sites including phytoremediation, which includes the use of plants [...] Read more.
Mercury is classified as one of the world’s most toxic and dangerous pollutants as it tends to bioaccumulate and biomagnify within the trophic chain and is persistent. Various approaches are available to remediate Hg-affected sites including phytoremediation, which includes the use of plants to clean up contaminated environments. The phytoremediation of mercury contamination is attracting increasing attention because of its advantages: it is environmentally friendly, inexpensive, simple, and can improve soil fertility. In this report, VOSviewer (version 1.6.1) and Bibliometrix (version 4.16) software were used to analyze 457 and 697 documents published from 2000 to 2023, retrieved from the databases WoS and Scopus, respectively. China, India, the United States, and Spain were the top four most productive countries. The largest topic area was environmental sciences, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the organization that contributed the most to the overall number of publications. The keywords with the highest frequency excluding phytoremediation and mercury in WoS were heavy metals, accumulation, cadmium, soils, and phytoextraction. In Scopus, the most frequent keywords were bioremediation, heavy metals, soil pollution, bioaccumulation, biodegradation, and environmental. From the above analysis, we concluded that future research should focus on (1) finding native plants, (2) genetic engineering applications, (3) increasing remediation ability through assisted phytoremediation, and (4) the detoxification mechanism of mercury. This study provides insights into trending themes and serves as a reference for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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39 pages, 5940 KiB  
Article
Co-Developing Business Plans for Upscaled Coastal Nature-Based Solutions Restoration: An Application to the Venice Lagoon (Italy)
by Umberto Pernice, Francesca Coccon, Fabienne Horneman, Caterina Dabalà, Silvia Torresan and Laura Puertolas
Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8835; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208835 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 587
Abstract
Upscaling coastal nature-based solutions (NbSs), from the river to sea scale, essential to the ultimate success of restoration, requires larger investments, greater socio-economic engagement and a transformative shift in governance. Consequently, the ability to catalyze blended finance from public and private investors through [...] Read more.
Upscaling coastal nature-based solutions (NbSs), from the river to sea scale, essential to the ultimate success of restoration, requires larger investments, greater socio-economic engagement and a transformative shift in governance. Consequently, the ability to catalyze blended finance from public and private investors through business model innovation and accessibly written long-range business plans is imperative. This research proposes a methodology to systematically co-design, through iterative stakeholder engagement, suitable and effective business models for upscaling NbSs coastal restoration, as well as a framework to develop business plans adaptable to different investors needs and financial criteria. This method was tested and validated in a saltmarsh restoration project coordinated by public agencies in the Venice Lagoon. It delivered an advanced business model canvas, carefully assessed through a stakeholder questionnaire and a related business case centered on ecotourism complemented by a willingness-to-pay analysis. The resulting business plan lays out the governance, management, business and financial strategies for successful restoration, addressing specific interconnected issues, improving five main ecosystem services and delivering NbS multifunctional environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits. The methodology has proven to be applicable beyond the Venice Lagoon saltmarsh case and types of restoration projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 9277 KiB  
Article
Urban Habitat Quality Enhancement and Optimization under Ecological Network Constraints
by Yanhai Zhou, Jianwei Geng and Xingzhao Liu
Land 2024, 13(10), 1640; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101640 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 458
Abstract
The process of urbanization leads to the rapid expansion of construction land and brings a series of ecological and environmental problems. The ecological network, as a linear landscape element, is of great significance to improve the quality of the regional ecological environment. In [...] Read more.
The process of urbanization leads to the rapid expansion of construction land and brings a series of ecological and environmental problems. The ecological network, as a linear landscape element, is of great significance to improve the quality of the regional ecological environment. In this study, the Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) and the model of Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) were used to construct the ecological corridors in the central city of Fuzhou, and the land use pattern under the constraints of the ecological network was simulated and quantified by the patch-level land use simulation (PLUS) tool with the results of the identification of ecological corridors. Meanwhile, with the help of InVEST habitat quality model, the regional habitat quality under different development scenarios was compared. The results show that (1) 19 ecological sources and 35 ecological corridors were identified; (2) under the constraints of ecological corridors, the area of forested land in the study area in 2027 was increased by 1.57% and the area of built-up land was reduced by 0.55% compared with that in 2022; (3) and under the constraints of ecological corridors, the mean value of habitat quality in Fuzhou City improved by 0.0055 and 0.0254 compared with 2022 and 2027 natural evolution scenarios, respectively. The study provides decision-making assistance for the construction of ecological corridors from the perspective of land use planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 3264 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Relationship between Key Perceptual Elements of Urban Secondary Wilderness and Its Restorative Benefits
by Keyan Chen, Yan Xu, Kaiyuan Zhan, Yangshuo Gao and Xiangcai Xie
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177383 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 765
Abstract
Urban secondary wilderness (USWs) is a near-natural place in cities and is an important link to reconnect humans with the natural world. Assessing the perceptual elements of USWs not only provides insight into public perceptions and preferences, but also helps to further explore [...] Read more.
Urban secondary wilderness (USWs) is a near-natural place in cities and is an important link to reconnect humans with the natural world. Assessing the perceptual elements of USWs not only provides insight into public perceptions and preferences, but also helps to further explore its relevance to experiential values such as environmental restoration benefits. In this study, we selected three USWs cases located in Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province, China, and constructed an evaluation system containing two types of dimensions and seventeen perceptual elements. Based on the public’s evaluation of the importance of and satisfaction with the perceived elements, we extracted the key perceived elements and analyzed their relationship with environmental restoration benefits. The results indicated that all three USWs cases scored over 4.9 on the Perceived Restoration Scale (PRS). Plants, Landscape color, Water, Landform, Climate, Freedom, and Naturalness are the key perceptual elements of the USWs, and the correlation coefficients between the satisfaction with the above seven perceptual elements and the scores of the PRS were all positive. In summary, USWs is an ideal place for residents to carry out restoration activities, and its key perceptual elements play a driving role. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 4664 KiB  
Article
A Biomechanical Study of Potential Plants for Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization of Highland in Thailand
by Warakorn Mairaing, Apiniti Jotisankasa, Nisa Leksungnoen, Monir Hossain, Chatchai Ngernsaengsaruay, Prem Rangsiwanichpong, Jarunee Pilumwong, Sony Pramusandi, Surat Semmad and Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed
Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6374; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156374 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1163
Abstract
Soil bioengineering provides a sustainable method for erosion control and soil slope stabilization using vegetation with multiple co-benefits. This study evaluated ten plant species in Thailand’s highland regions for their soil bioengineering potential and additional benefits. Root architecture, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus [...] Read more.
Soil bioengineering provides a sustainable method for erosion control and soil slope stabilization using vegetation with multiple co-benefits. This study evaluated ten plant species in Thailand’s highland regions for their soil bioengineering potential and additional benefits. Root architecture, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus were measured to compare biomechanical traits. G. sepium, F. griffithii, P. americana, B. asiatica, and C. arabica exhibited H-type roots with wide lateral spread, while M. denticulata and C. officinarum had VH-type roots with deep taproots and wide lateral extent. A. sutepensis showed M-type roots with most root matrix in the top 0.3 m, where C. cajan and C. sinensis had R-type roots with deep, oblique growth. Most species showed a negative power relationship between the root strength and Young’s modulus with the root diameter except C. cajan that showed a positive correlation. P. americana, F. griffithii, C. officinarum, and C. arabica showed relatively high values of 1 mm root tensile strength (exceeding 24 to 42 MPa), while M. denticulata, G. sepium, and B. asiatica exhibited intermediate root tensile strength (ranging from 8 to 19 MPa). A. sutepensis, C. cajan, and C. sinensis demonstrated the lowest root tensile strength, up to 7 MPa. It is advised to plan slope vegetation by selecting diverse plant species with varying root structures and benefits, addressing both engineering and socioeconomic needs of the sustainable nature-based solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 12398 KiB  
Article
Nature-Based Solutions for Landscape Performance Evaluation—Handan Garden Expo Park’s “Clear as a Drain” Artificial Wetland as an Example
by Jiaju Liu, Yujia Guo, Jingyi Han, Feng Yang, Nan Shen, Fei Sun, Yanjie Wei, Peng Yuan and Jiawei Wang
Land 2024, 13(7), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070973 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 887
Abstract
As a technology for water landscape performance that considers landscape, ecological, and social effects, nature-based solutions play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of integrated ecosystem services on the micro-scale. This study conducted a systematic investigation into the landscape performance of the [...] Read more.
As a technology for water landscape performance that considers landscape, ecological, and social effects, nature-based solutions play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of integrated ecosystem services on the micro-scale. This study conducted a systematic investigation into the landscape performance of the “Clear as a Drain” composite sponge facility at Handan Garden Expo Park. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) In terms of ecological restoration support services, the “Clear as a Drain” artificial wetland exhibited diverse habitat types, a rich variety of plant species specific to the site’s region, and high plant diversity indices for shrubs (1.776) and herbaceous aquatic plants (3.352). Reclaimed water reused in the artificial terraced wetland promoted plant growth and diversity while contributing to site self-rehabilitation; plants also significantly contributed to carbon fixation, oxygen release, and carbon emission reduction. (2) Regarding ecological restoration regulation services, the artificial wetland effectively purified reclaimed water with substantial improvements observed in incoming water quality during spring, summer, and autumn—particularly notable purification effects were observed during the summer months. Pollutant reduction rates for COD, BOD5 ammonia nitrogen, TP, and TN reached 75.8%, 72.1%, 93.8%, 96.7%, and 90.3%, respectively; different independent subsystems within the wetland demonstrated distinct advantages in pollutant removal; park plants displayed strong air purification capabilities; annual energy savings from park plants could fully cover daily energy consumption for nearby residents. This case could serve as guidance for scientific management and design parameter optimization of other composite sponge facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 299 KiB  
Article
Promising Nature-Based Solutions to Support Climate Adaptation of Arizona’s Local Food Entrepreneurs and Optimize One Health
by Yevheniia Varyvoda, Taylor Ann Foerster, Joona Mikkola and Matthew M. Mars
Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3176; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083176 - 10 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1495
Abstract
This study explores the uptake and potential application of nature-based solutions (NbS) that are particularly promising for small-scale farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs operating in arid and semi-arid regions. Studying the adoption of NbS by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs), including related strengths and [...] Read more.
This study explores the uptake and potential application of nature-based solutions (NbS) that are particularly promising for small-scale farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs operating in arid and semi-arid regions. Studying the adoption of NbS by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs), including related strengths and limitations, remains an area of exploration due to their potential to optimize interventions that foster environmental sustainability at the intersection of people, animals, and natural ecosystems (i.e., One Health). A multi-method design was used, including literature review, questionnaires, and semi-structured key informant interviews to assess adaptation needs and NbS among a sample of LFEs located in Southern AZ, USA. The findings revealed that existing NbS have been introduced mostly through learning-by-doing practices that are bounded by economic and technological resource constraints. The paper describes a range of accessible approaches and practices that can be piloted and/or scaled up to enhance local food system resilience and contribute to the overlapping health of people, animals, and natural ecosystems. The priority adaptation pathways for NbS were identified to be funding and financing and the co-creation and sharing of knowledge through peer-to-peer and expert-to-peer approaches. The results suggested that AZ LFEs are likely to adopt NbS based on their capacity to address priority climate-driven issues, revenue generation potential, and seamless augmentation with existing food production and operational activities.  Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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