1. Glinščica for All: Exploring the Potential of NBS in Slovenia: Barriers and Opportunities
- Author
-
Pengal, Polona, Pagano, Alessandro, Piton, Guillaume, Kozinc, Zdravko, Cokan, Blaž, Šinkovec, Zarja, Giordano, Raffaele, REVIVO - Inst Ichthyol & Ecol Res, National Water Research Institute, Institut des Géosciences de l’Environnement (IGE), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Institut national des sciences de l'Univers (INSU - CNRS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE)-Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)-Institut polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology (Grenoble INP ), Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), Inst Dev Local Potentials, CNR Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council of Italy | Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), and European Project: 730497,NAIAD
- Subjects
[SDE.IE]Environmental Sciences/Environmental Engineering ,[SPI.GCIV.RISQ]Engineering Sciences [physics]/Civil Engineering/Risques ,[SDU.STU.HY]Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Earth Sciences/Hydrology ,[SPI.GCIV.CH]Engineering Sciences [physics]/Civil Engineering/Construction hydraulique - Abstract
Based on the highest pre-identified risk of flooding in the Glinščica catchment, our case study focused on identifying the benefits and opportunities of ecosystem services emerging from fully functioning ecosystems working as a natural assurance system arising from Nature-based solutions (NBS) through the implementation of a participatory approach. Together with our stakeholders we first, developed an NBS strategy for the Glinščica catchment and compared it to the business as usual, second, evaluated the ecosystem services provided by the simulated implementation of restoration and management measures selected and third, developed economic and financial instruments in the form of natural assurance schemes based on effective business models in the field of ecosystem services, green infrastructure and river restoration. This highlighted the importance of understanding the value of ecosystems in the long term. The participatory process was basically an iterative process in which expert studies formed the basis for stakeholder engagement on the one hand and the stakeholders’ perceptions and knowledge were shaping and directing the solutions on the other hand. Stakeholders eventually agreed that the developed strategy for water risk mitigation using NBSs in the Glinščica catchment is a viable alternative to existing grey infrastructure plans. However, the participatory process revealed several barriers to mainstreaming NBS and implementing an adaptive management approach in Slovenia, mostly in the governing and institutional systems. Through the participatory planning process, we built capacity and changed the perceptions of participating stakeholders regarding NBSs and their efficiency in providing multiple co-benefits in addition to the flood protection, which is usually the only function and benefit of grey measures.
- Published
- 2023