From Co-Design to Mainstreaming: Using Augmented Reality to Communicate Nature-Based Solutions for Water Resilience

Strengthening water resilience in Europe requires the widespread adoption of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) that are easily understood, trusted and supported by citizens and local stakeholders. This study focuses on the development of an Augmented Reality (AR) engagement system designed to communicate how different NbSs function in real-world scenarios and address water-related challenges. The AR experiences were co-created with local communities through dedicated focus groups, co-design workshops and structured discussions with key stakeholders, ensuring that the content reflects local priorities and practical needs at each pilot location.

The AR system brings together a set of NbS demonstrations into a unified series of interactive experiences. These include: (i) soil restoration and small-scale water retention measures in dry island landscapes that can reduce runoff, prevent erosion and enhance soil water storage for agricultural resilience; (ii) green walls that can treat greywater within a public building, enabling its safe reuse for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing; (iii) urban NbSs (including pocket forests, bioswales, permeable surfaces and soil improvement) that can mitigate flooding, reduce urban heat stress, and enhance environmental quality; and (iv) hydroponic wall systems that support urban gardening by combining seasonal planting, traditional knowledge and water-efficient practices.

The AR campaigns integrate maps, 3D models, photographs and explanatory narratives to guide users through each process step-by-step (e.g. users can follow the flow of greywater through a treatment system or observe the gradual transformation of degraded land as NbS are applied). By making otherwise invisible processes tangible and spatially explicit, the AR mobile application enhances understanding of how NbS improve water availability, reduce flood risks, support local food production and contribute to healthier and more resilient living environments.

The next phase of the work focuses on real-world validation across various pilot areas, involving diverse user groups (including residents, farmers, students, local authorities, and planners) to interact with the AR experiences on site and obtain their feedback to refine content clarity, usability and relevance for local planning processes and everyday decision-making.

The use of the AR mobile application demonstrates how visual storytelling combined with participatory design and field-based feedback can enhance awareness, build trust and support the mainstreaming of NbSs, contributing to strengthened water resilience across Mediterranean and broader European contexts.

 Acknowledgement:

This research has been funded by European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under CARDIMED project (Grant Agreement No. 101112731) (Climate Adaptation and Resilience Demonstrated in the MEDiterranean region).