PlaNet – An international research network on plant-based solutions to mitigate climate-induced geo-hazards

Biodiversity loss (including land degradation) and climate change are the biggest challenges of our time, and they have a strong two-way interaction. Climate induced geo-hazards, such as landslides and floods, are likely to to increase in the near future due to climate change causing more rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events. On the other hand, biodiversity is continuously threatened by climate-induced geo-hazards.

PlaNet is a multidisciplinary network that gathers experts in the field of nature-based solutions (NBS) that use vegetation for mitigating rainfall-induced geohazards, with a focus on shallow landslides and erosion. Vegetating slopes or stream banks are also key for ecological restoration and rewilding, as well as buffer-zones for agricultural lands.

PlaNet pools expertise from leading research organisations within geosciences and provides a collaborative environment for addressing these problems using sustainable, nature-based solutions.

The Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) coordinates PlaNet, and the network has 5 research organisations and 7 universities as initial core partners. PlaNet is multidisciplinary, encompassing a wide range of expertise areas, such as geotechnical engineering, hydrology, soil science, plant ecology, biodiversity, and agronomy.

The objectives of PlaNet are to share research on how vegetation-based solutions can be used to mitigate climate changes, influence policy nationally, internationally prepare the grounds for a European policy to be adopted by future research programmes and to foster multidisciplinary and international research-exchange and facilitate participation of industry and entrepreneurs.

PlaNet provides an appropriate knowledge exchange forum that is urgently needed for future implementation of vegetation and nature-based solutions for mitigating climate-related geohazards, while protecting biodiversity. This forum does not only benefit researchers but also provide the knowledge needed for policy makers, entrepreneurs and suppliers, and to the general public for education and information.

Activities in the network include knowledge dissemination, through filming and distributing virtual laboratory/site tours to real case study sites where NBS have been implemented, to generate interest and enhance the impact of PlaNet beyond the "research" boundaries. As well as to promote the international presence of Norwegian PlaNet partners. Activities also include publishing articles in national and international professional journals and magazines.

PlaNet contributes to encourage Norwegian researchers to participate more widely in, and exert greater influence on, global research on climate and the environment and it contributes to Norway gaining a leading position in Europe for development and use of nature-based solutions. It also contributes to strengthen the international relationship among Norwegian research institutes and universities developing expertise in different aspects of nature-based solutions. It promotes and supports research on vegetation-based solutions for mitigating climate-induced geohazards and contributes to the use of nature-based solutions and ecological restoration.