This book aims to define the concept of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) by
using case studies from members of the European Innovation Partnership
(EIP) Water Action Group - NatureWat. NBS is defined and characterized
in terms of water source, contaminants, removal mechanisms and resource
recovery potential. The case studies presented illustrate the
appropriateness of NBS promoting climate resilience. Readers will
discover a technology portfolio based on a number of demonstration sites
in the fields of climate change adaption, water and wastewater
treatment, resource recovery and re-use, and restoring ecosystems to
promote the use of nature based solutions. The chapters in the book
present a multidisciplinary approach involving social scientists,
governance representatives and engineers.
The underlying philosophy of the book is the circular economy of water
which prioritizes the concepts of resource recovery and resilience
within water resource management. The first section of the book presents
the background and objectives of the study, and how the action group
aims to promote the use of nature based solutions through its diverse
technology portfolio. Particular attention is given to the goals of
finding cost-effective solutions for wastewater treatment, climate
change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, flood protection, greening
cities, degraded areas restoration and biodiversity preservation. The
chapter on reclaimed water addresses water reuse and defines the term
fit for purpose. Barriers and limitations related to NBS for water
resource management are discussed. The book concludes with several case
studies at local, regional and global levels which illustrate a new
approach to water management. These case studies illustrate the
application of a hybrid green and grey infrastructure system. This is a
combination of traditional engineered infrastructure with nature based
solutions which combines centralised and decentralised systems to
optimise the reclamation of water for reuse in a fit for purpose model.
