Integrating nature-based solutions for urban water security in global south
Nature‑based Solutions (NbS) can address urban water security while delivering social and ecological co‑benefits, yet most guidance is tailored to the Global North. Through expert discussions at SUSE 6 in Brisbane, additional consultations across the Global South and a comprehensive literature review, this study identifies the contextual differences shaping NbS planning and implementation in the Global South. Challenges and opportunities are organized across four themes: environmental conditions, socio‑economic and perceptional factors, capacity and expertise, and governance. The authors highlight “bright spots” where NbS are already succeeding and propose practical steps—capacity building, best‑practice development, monitoring, OECM integration and cross‑sector partnerships—to support socially just, efficient pathways for mainstreaming NbS in rapidly urbanizing regions.
Subject Tags
- Nature-based solutions
- Health
- Equitable conservation
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS) leverage the power of ecosystems and biodiversity to address societal challenges. NbS for addressing water security challenges in cities are widely recognized for accelerating sustainability and delivering multiple co-benefits. However, peer-reviewed studies and implementation guidance have primarily focused on the Global North, necessitating adaptation for the Global South. While NbS could provide environmental and socio-economic benefits, the specific adaptations required for planning, designing, and implementing in the context of the Global South remain unclear. During the 6th Symposium on Urbanization and Stream Ecology (SUSE 6) held in Brisbane, Australia, in May 2023, a group of interdisciplinary experts discussed these challenges. This was followed by in-depth discussions with additional experts spanning various sectors across the Global South and a comprehensive literature review. This paper presents the outcomes of these efforts specifically focused on three objectives: understanding the NbS planning context in the Global South, identifying unique challenges for implementing NbS in these regions, and identifying “bright spots” as learning opportunities for implementation. We outline the contextual differences between the Global North and Global South in the context of water security and NbS, and then the challenges and opportunities to mainstream urban water NbS in the Global South are discussed across four thematic categories: environmental; socio-economic and perceptional; capacity, knowledge and expertise; and management and governance. We highlight select bright spots to foster a broader understanding of ongoing efforts in the Global South. Ultimately, we seek to highlight opportunities for more efficient and socially-just pathways for adoption of NbS to address urban water security in the Global South. We also recommend practical steps such as capacity building in NbS design and implementation, development of best practices and support tools, monitoring of outcomes, consideration of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM) as NbS and building partnerships for all of these with stakeholders.
Citation
Abera, L. E., Jumani, S., van Rees, C. B., Krishnaswamy, J., Seigerman, C. K., Nelson, D. R., ... & McKay, S. K. (2025). Integrating Nature-based Solutions for urban water security in global south. PLOS Water, 4(6), e0000372. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000372
TNC Authors
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Suman Jumani
Freshwater Protection Spatial Analyst
The Nature Conservancy
Email: suman.jumani@tnc.org -
Roshni Arora
Lead Freshwater Scientist, India TNCC
The Nature Conservancy
Email: roshni.arora@tnc.org -
Ana Christina Becerra
The Nature Conservancy