Systems Oriented Design to facilitate participatory approaches for selecting nature-based solutions to reduce flooding and landslides – experiences from two Norwegian municipalities

Nature‑based solutions (NbS) act as a catalyst for large‑scale transformations in vulnerable landscapes, enhancing climate adaptation by reducing exposure to climate‑related hazards and strengthening ecosystem resilience. In doing so, they also deliver valuable co‑benefits, including richer biodiversity and more robust, functional ecosystems. Addressing the complexity to fully mainstream NbS for climate adaptation requires the capacity to manage cross‑sectoral problems and to foster collaboration across multiple levels of governance, networks, and partnerships. Although interdisciplinary work which promotes mutual understanding is widely recognised as essential for effective climate action, achieving it in practice remains challenging.

To address this challenge, a Systems Oriented Design (SOD) approach was employed to operationalise interdisciplinarity in the design and implementation of participatory processes. This approach supported a shared understanding of local needs related to the placement and selection of specific NbS interventions in two Norwegian municipalities, each facing distinct landscape hazards based on the local contexts. The two case study sites include the Hølenselva watershed in Vestby municipality, which is representative of the south‑eastern region of Norway. The area faces challenges such as landslides in sensitive marine clays, poor water quality in the catchment due to agriculture and landscape modifications that have increased the risk of flooding. The second case study site is in Aurland municipality and reflects the country’s west coast fjord landscapes. The area consists of fjords and mountains, with small settlements concentrated in the lower river valleys. The steep mountainsides make the area prone to landslides and snow avalanches, and the narrow valleys are experiencing frequent flooding, intensified by climate change in recent years.

A SOD framework was developed to map complexity and gain insight into the case study sites. Working with a multidisciplinary team spanning social science, natural science, landscape architecture, and design, the system maps were analysed using a ZIPP approach to identify Zoom points, Ideas for interventions, as well as Problems and Potentials. These findings provided the basis for identifying leverage points for potential interventions in the system. After this preliminary mapping was completed, the maps and background documentation were presented to local stakeholders through two workshops conducted at each case study site to validate the system understanding, prioritise stakeholder needs, and introduce potential NbS options for their main concerns regarding natural hazards.

The presentation will illustrate the application of SOD as a basis for stakeholder involvement at the two case study sites, showing how stakeholders understood system complexity and helped identify potential NbS to reduce flooding and landslide risk. It will also highlight challenges and positive experiences and provide examples of how stakeholder input informed the modelling and monitoring of selected NbS interventions that are not yet implemented and may be taken forward in future planning.