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. 2022 Apr;69(4):735-751.
doi: 10.1007/s00267-022-01613-y. Epub 2022 Mar 9.

Identifying Spatial Patterns and Ecosystem Service Delivery of Nature-Based Solutions

Paulina Guerrero  1 , Dagmar Haase  2   3 , Christian Albert  4
Affiliations

Identifying Spatial Patterns and Ecosystem Service Delivery of Nature-Based Solutions

Paulina Guerrero et al. Environ Manage. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Compared to technical infrastructure, nature-based solutions, NBS, strive to work with nature and to move beyond business-as-usual practices in order to address societal challenges such as flood risks. This research aims to spatially identify possible NBS areas and evaluate the areas capacity to provide selected ecosystem services, ES, for the Lahn river landscape in Germany. The research follows the functional landscape approach using hydromorphological landscape units, HLU, based on specific biophysical spatial criteria, such as slope, to then identify locations which may be considered suitable for NBS. The current ES delivery of these possible NBS areas is then evaluated. The three ES assessed are carbon storage, nutrient retention and recreation. We then undertake a geospatial comparison analysis to show the spatial relationships and patterns that emerge in regards to the ES configuration of the distinct NBS apt areas. Results show the HLU method serves to delineate and identify areas where NBS may exist or be implemented. The data depicts a distinct spatial pattern for each possible NBS space and complementary ES delivery. This explorative method is a useful spatial approach that can support NBS implementation and serve to investigate the multiple benefits NBS provide. The use of ecosystem services to compare and understand NBS is a viable prospect that must, however, be cautiously, locally and scientifically approached. Noticeable limitations regarding ES assessment remain, as available methods are often insufficiently inclusive of natural ecosystem processes and functions. Further research should assess a broader spectrum of NBS and their delivery of ES.

Keywords: Ecosystem services; GIS; NBS; Rivers; Spatial analysis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Map of general land uses in the Lahn River in Hesse, adapted from Guerrero et al. (2018)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Methodological process for HLU spatial development (adapted from Guerrero et al. 2018)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Ecosystem service delivery maps for the Lahn River stretch
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Mapped spatial extent of the hydromorphological land units, HLU, for wetlands, floodplains, and forests
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Ecosystem service values according to each HLU type
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Average carbon storage, nutrient retention and recreation value per cell unit according to Nature-based solution type
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Normalized average ecosystem service delivery for the different possible NBS types (values are normalized between 1 and 10, where 0 presents the lowest and 10 the highest value)
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Map of coinciding above- and below-average ecosystem service delivery areas for Forest HLU
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Map of coinciding above- and below-average ecosystem service delivery areas for Floodplain HLU
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Map of coinciding above- and below-average ecosystem delivery areas for Wetlands HLU
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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