Spatio-temporal dynamics of Nature-based Solutions: implications for climate adaptation

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly promoted to enhance climate resilience and deliver ecosystem services such as flood mitigation and drought buffering. However, their effectiveness often depends on where they are implemented and which time horizon is evaluated. Current evaluations, typically based on hydrological models, rarely consider how spatial placement within a catchment or temporal factors such as forest age influence outcomes. This knowledge gap limits our ability to design NbS that maximize benefits across landscapes and over time.
We use hydrological modeling to assess the performance of NbS under varying spatial configurations and temporal conditions. We explore how these dimensions affect the distribution of surface, groundwater, and soil water across the landscape, identifying opportunities, constraints, and potential trade-offs for ecosystem service delivery. Our findings provide a framework for assessing NbS effectiveness across spatial and temporal scales to inform strategies that reduce climate risks and enhance long-term resilience.