Incorporating stakeholders' preferences into a multi-criteria framework for planning large-scale Nature-Based...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Risk Management
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• Hydro-meteorological risks pose significant threats globally to societies, economies, and environments.
• Existing approaches to risk management require a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and flexible strategies.
• Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) present a promising avenue for addressing these risks while promoting biodiversity and human well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel methodology for selecting risk mitigation measures by integrating stakeholder preferences.
• To develop a tool that supports decision-making in the planning and implementation of Nature-Based Solutions.
• To enhance the transparency and systematic nature of NBSs planning processes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multi-criteria analysis framework incorporating stakeholder preferences.
• Application of the methodology in case studies within the Tamnava river basin (Serbia) and Nangang river basin (Taiwan).
• Utilizing the EC-funded RECONECT project framework for practical implementation and validation.

Main Results:

• The methodology effectively incorporates diverse stakeholder preferences into risk mitigation strategy selection.
• Early and consistent stakeholder involvement is crucial for the successful implementation of Nature-Based Solutions.
• The developed tool facilitates the identification of desirable benefits and co-benefits associated with NBSs.

Conclusions:

• The proposed methodology provides a systematic and transparent approach to planning Nature-Based Solutions for hydro-meteorological risks.
• Integrating stakeholder preferences is key to achieving effective and widely accepted risk mitigation strategies.
• This approach can significantly improve the adoption and success of Nature-Based Solutions in diverse geographical contexts.