Mapping the opportunities of Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation: bottom-up approach in the Louisiana Watershed Initiative case study

In line with the IPCC's recommendations, managing the risks associated with extreme climate events requires a holistic approach covering both structural and non-structural measures for the project of climate adaptation. The former involves the implementation of green infrastructures and the integration of hybrid systems into conventional gray infrastructure through low-impact development (LID) systems and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). The second involves the investment of economic resources in governance programs aimed at prioritizing adaptation and mitigation actions, the adoption of innovative technologies for ecosystem mapping and monitoring, and the implementation of climate risk prediction information models.

NBS are sustainable technological systems capable of responding to current climate challenges by tapping into the natural capacities of ecosystems to provide regulating ecosystem services. Implementation in the urban system of NBS aims to harness and preserve the natural functions of ecosystems, providing multiple benefits such as managing weather flows, reducing the heat island effect, improving air and water quality, preserving biodiversity, and improving the quality of life and health.

The integration of these types of solutions into increasingly complex urban systems requires integrated data-driven systems to support technology choices and decision-making processes to maximize their achievable benefits and co-benefits for local communities. The current challenge requires the use of enabling technologies that can identify and localize urban regeneration opportunities while reducing the risk of uncertainty and error.

The goal of such an approach is to optimize processes toward practices, policies, and solutions that know how to derive the greatest benefit in terms of resilience. This approach is very common in territories affected by major environmental disasters that need a fast and effective response to climate risks. The study aims to examine the best practices stemming from the interstate “Louisiana Watershed Initiative” (LWI) to deepen the integration of NBS in climate adaptation projects. 
In particular, through the analysis and critical use of the "NBS Explorer "tool,  the model of "Opportunity Maps" is explored in its products "Restoration Opportunity Map" and "Preservation Opportunity Map”.

The results emphasize the use of an information model based on multi-criteria assessment, which, through the overlay mapping technique, identifies the optimal areas for the implementation of NBS. Furthermore, the LWI takes a bottom-up approach through a decision-making platform that facilitates interaction between policymakers, funders, local communities, and planners. This platform, by providing data and support tools, fosters a multi-directional and synergistic dialogue between stakeholders, playing an integrative role in the decision-making process and implementation of NBS.

Thanks to the involvement of different users, NBS can be selected and prioritized, taking into consideration quantifiable and comparable benefits and co-benefits in different design scenarios. The proposed approach implies that data collection is guided by a clear objective and specific knowledge needs. Data selection begins with a detailed understanding of the questions and objectives, avoiding an indiscriminate approach to information collection.
The key element lies in leveraging data effectively across various phases of climate adaptation projects, enabling informed decision-making and the implementation of targeted NBS.