Grounding nature-based solutions and water resource protection

Historically, cities and their utilities rely on human-engineered infrastructure such as water and wastewater treatment plants, pipelines, pump stations, and reservoirs – usually referred to as grey infrastructure – to address their water security challenges. However, this end-of-pipe approach is no longer sufficient to address current challenges, including managing natural resources sustainably, restoring biodiversity, and coping with climate change. Nature-based solutions (NbS) like reforestation, wetland restoration, natural treatment technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices can be an efficient way to complement grey infrastructure by protecting water sources, avoiding damages caused by extreme events, optimising the design or delaying the need for major capital expenditure while reducing related O&M costs. NbS can also generate benefits for biodiversity and recreation, as well as create local green jobs. Hence, NbS can attract resources and help close the funding gap faced by many service providers.