Nature-based solutions: a double-edged sword for biological invasions?

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Management

Background:

• Nature-based solutions (NbS) are gaining traction for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
• The impact of scaling up NbS on biological invasions, a significant ecological crisis, is not well understood.
• Non-native species establishment, spread, and impact are critical concerns in global change ecology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of NbS on the establishment, spread, and impacts of non-native species.
• To synthesize the consequences of scaling up NbS for biological invasions.
• To identify mechanisms through which NbS can either mitigate or exacerbate invasion processes.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis and expert review of NbS and invasion science.
• Analysis of ecological mechanisms influencing species invasions in the context of NbS.
• Case study examples illustrating potential positive and negative interactions between NbS and invasions.

Main Results:

• NbS can promote beneficial invasion outcomes via enhanced biotic resistance (native restoration) and targeted invasive species control.
• Carefully managed relocation within NbS can be a beneficial strategy.
• Inappropriately designed NbS can worsen invasions through non-native species introductions, altered dispersal, or inadequate ecosystem management.

Conclusions:

• Integrating invasion science into NbS planning is crucial for maximizing co-benefits.
• Robust risk assessment and long-term monitoring are essential for successful NbS implementation.
• Strategic NbS design is necessary to ensure positive outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystem function under global change.