Testing and Scaling aquatic NbS: Building a Foundation Through Case Studies 

To assess how aquatic NbS can be used to scale solutions, we begin with a series of small-scale case studies. Although aquatic NbS is designed to guide planning at landscape and regional scales, such that interventions can address critical challenges such as water and food security, it is essential to first understand how individual interventions function within specific contexts. 

These case studies serve as the foundation for scaling up. They help demonstrate how local aquatic NbS interventions contribute to broader landscape health, and how interdisciplinary approaches can quantify the full range of co-benefits compared to conventional grey infrastructure. Each study applies a mix of biophysical, economic, and planning methodologies to assess the performance and value of aquatic NbS. 

By focusing on real-world examples, these studies support practitioners, planners, and policymakers in understanding how Aqua-NbS can drive effective climate adaptation and mitigation at scale. 

Current case studies include: 

• Strandby (Coastal Transition Zone): Evaluates the economic benefits of wetland restoration, focusing on carbon sequestration and nutrient mitigation. Read more here.

• Seden Strand: A nature-based solution that reduces flood risk, boosts biodiversity, and stores carbon while serving as a climate research site. Read more here.

• Gyldensteen Strand: A restored coastal landscape that showcases climate adaptation, biodiversity recovery, and the potential for nature-based climate mitigation. Read more here.

These examples offer practical insights into how Aqua-NbS interventions work, paving the way for their integration into broader planning strategies.