A conceptual framework to help choose appropriate blue nature-based solutions.

Area of Science:

• Marine conservation and restoration science.
• Ecosystem-based management.
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Background:

• Global biodiversity loss and climate change threaten ecosystems and human well-being.
• Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized for addressing these challenges.
• Implementation of marine and coastal NbS (blue NbS) lags due to a lack of planning frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an integrated conceptual framework for selecting appropriate blue NbS.
• To guide decision-makers and practitioners in planning blue NbS interventions.
• To address the need for tailored solutions based on societal objectives and social-ecological context.

Main Methods:

• Development of a four-step conceptual framework based on expert knowledge.
• Step 1: Identify societal challenges.
• Step 2: Highlight relevant ecosystem services, biodiversity, and ecological functions.
• Step 3: Define the environmental context (spatial scale, vulnerability, ecological condition).
• Step 4: Select appropriate blue NbS interventions.

Main Results:

• The framework facilitates the selection of blue NbS to maintain, enhance, recover, rehabilitate, or create ecosystem services.
• The intervention portfolio includes marine protection, restorative activities, and management measures.
• The framework promotes versatile, ecosystem-specific interventions over rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework addresses a critical gap in blue NbS planning and implementation.
• It empowers decision-makers to choose effective interventions aligned with specific needs and contexts.
• Future work should integrate socio-economic factors and scientific advancements for comprehensive application.