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Live cribwalls are Nature-based solutions consisting of timber-based structures acting as retention walls at the toe of slopes and embankments subjected to instability and erosion events. The structure of live cribwalls resembles a multi-level crib made of timber logs from different plant species (e.g. pine, spruce, hazelnut, etc.). The crib structure is then backfilled with earth materials in which locally-available plant cuttings and/or saplings are inserted to establish a dense cover of native vegetation, providing added reinforcement and stability to the cribwall over time; particularly after the complete decay of the timber structure is reached. However, the effect of vegetation on the reinforcement of live cribwalls has not been examined systematically. Information on how vegetation can contribute to reinforce cribwalls hydrologically and mechanically is essential to evaluate the long-term performance of these Nature-based solutions against hydro-meteorological hazards. In this study, we propose a novel conceptual, numerical model based on empirical knowledge to evaluate the reinforcement effect of vegetation on live cribwalls over time. We also demonstrate how the proposed model can be applied to other Nature-based solutions concerned with slope protection and erosion control, such as live gratings or palisades.

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are being promoted as adaptive measures against predicted increasing hydrometeorological hazards (HMHs), such as heatwaves and floods which have already caused significant loss of life andeconomic damage across the globe. However, the underpinning factors such as policy framework, end-users' interestsand participation for NBS design and operationalisation are yet to be established. We discuss theoperationalisation and implementation processes of NBS by means of a novel concept of Open-Air Laboratories(OAL) for its wider acceptance. The design and implementation of environmentally, economically, technicallyand socio-culturally sustainable NBS require inter- and transdisciplinary approaches which could be achievedby fostering co-creation processes by engaging stakeholders across various sectors and levels, inspiring more effective use of skills, diverse knowledge, manpower and resources, and connecting and harmonising the adaptationaims. The OAL serves as a benchmark for NBS upscaling, replication and exploitation in policy-makingprocess through monitoring by field measurement, evaluation by key performance indicators and buildingsolid evidence on their short- and long-term multiple benefits in different climatic, environmental and socioeconomicconditions, thereby alleviating the challenges of political resistance, financial barriers and lack ofknowledge.We conclude that holistic management of HMHs by effective use of NBS can be achieved with standard compliant data for replicating and monitoringNBS inOALs, knowledge about policy silos and interaction betweenresearch communities and end-users. Further research is needed for multi-risk analysis of HMHs andinclusion of NBS into policy frameworks, adaptable at local, regional and national scales leading to modificationin the prevalent guidelines related to HMHs. The findings of this work can be used for developing synergies betweencurrent policy frameworks, scientific research and practical implementation of NBS in Europe and beyondfor its wider acceptance.

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are being promoted as adaptive measures against predicted increasing hydrometeorological hazards (HMHs), such as heatwaves and floods which have already caused significant loss of life and economic damage across the globe. However, the underpinning factors such as policy framework, end-users' interests and participation for NBS design and operationalisation are yet to be established. We discuss the operationalisation and implementation processes of NBS by means of a novel concept of Open-Air Laboratories (OAL) for its wider acceptance. The design and implementation of environmentally, economically, technically and socio-culturally sustainable NBS require inter- and transdisciplinary approaches which could be achieved by fostering co-creation processes by engaging stakeholders across various sectors and levels, inspiring more effective use of skills, diverse knowledge, manpower and resources, and connecting and harmonising the adaptation aims. The OAL serves as a benchmark for NBS upscaling, replication and exploitation in policy-making process through monitoring by field measurement, evaluation by key performance indicators and building solid evidence on their short- and long-term multiple benefits in different climatic, environmental and socio-economic conditions, thereby alleviating the challenges of political resistance, financial barriers and lack of knowledge. We conclude that holistic management of HMHs by effective use of NBS can be achieved with standard compliant data for replicating and monitoring NBS in OALs, knowledge about policy silos and interaction between research communities and end-users. Further research is needed for multi-risk analysis of HMHs and inclusion of NBS into policy frameworks, adaptable at local, regional and national scales leading to modification in the prevalent guidelines related to HMHs. The findings of this work can be used for developing synergies between current policy frameworks, scientific research and practical implementation of NBS in Europe and beyond for its wider acceptance.