Since the early 2010s, the concept of Nature-based Solutions has been integrated into land development projects to reconcile environmental issues with societal needs. But the concept still raises many questions. How can we preserve our environment while supporting socio-economic development? How can we adapt to climate change without sacrificing a certain level of comfort? The preservation or restoration of biodiversity is a prerequisite for the implementation of any initiative, whether it concerns natural risk mitigation, water supply security, economic and social development, food security, human health, or mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The author details the application of the Nature-based Solutions concept to these six major societal challenges, sharing initiatives as diverse as restoring wetlands to reduce flooding, reopening natural lands to control fires, installing vegetated swales to limit soil sealing and urban heat island effect, and diversifying crops to limit pesticides while preserving their economic profitability. This book is aimed at decision-makers in charge of land planning. It will also be of interest to companies, researchers, teachers and students wishing better understanding this conciliatory approach involving a plurality of actors.

This book is included in DOAB.