Challenges and considerations of applying nature-based solutions in low- And middle-income countries in Southeast and East Asia

Alex M. Lechner, Rachel L. Gomes, Lucelia Rodrigues, Matthew J. Ashfold, Sivathass Bannir Selvam, Ee Phin Wong, Christopher M. Raymond, Alexandra Zieritz, Kong Wah Sing, Peter Moug, Lawal Billa, Saut Sagala, Ali Cheshmehzangi, Karen Lourdes, Badrul Azhar, Ruzana Sanusi, Christopher D. Ives, Yu Ting Tang, David T. Tan, Faith Ka Shun ChanTapan Kumar Nath, Nur Aliya Binti Sabarudin, Sarah E. Metcalfe, Natalie M. Gulsrud, Mark Schuerch, Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz, Mark G. Macklin, Chris Gibbins

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Low- and middle-income countries in Southeast and East Asia face a range of challenges related to the rapid pace of urbanisation in the region, the scale of pollution, climate change, loss of ecosystem services and associated difficulties for ecological restoration. Possible pathways towards a more sustainable future lie in the applications of nature-based solutions (NBS). However, there is relatively little literature on the application of NBS in the region, particularly Southeast Asia. In this paper we address this gap by assessing the socio-ecological challenges to the application of NBS in the region – one of the most globally biodiverse. We first provide an overview and background on NBS and its underpinnings in biodiversity and ecosystem services. We then present a typology describing five unique challenges for the application of NBS in the region: (1) Characteristics of urbanisation; (2) Biophysical environmental and climatic context; (3) Environmental risks and challenges for restoration; (4) Human nature relationships and conflicts; and (5) Policy and governance context. Exploiting the opportunities through South-South and North-South collaboration to address the challenges of NBS in Southeast and East Asia needs to be a priority for government, planners and academics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)331-351
Number of pages21
JournalBlue-Green Systems
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • China
  • Southeast Asia
  • Sponge cities
  • blue-green infrastructure
  • ecosystem services
  • nature-based solutions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Water Science and Technology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Challenges and considerations of applying nature-based solutions in low- And middle-income countries in Southeast and East Asia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this