A review of public acceptance of nature-based solutions: The 'why', 'when', and 'how' of success for disaster risk reduction measures

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized as sustainable approaches to address societal challenges. Disaster risk reduction (DRR) has benefited by moving away from purely 'grey' infrastructure measures towards NbS. However, this shift also furthers an increasing trend of reliance on public acceptance to plan, implement and manage DRR measures. In this review, we examine how unique NbS characteristics relate to public acceptance through a comparison with grey measures, and we identify influential acceptance factors related to individuals, society, and DRR measures. Based on the review, we introduce the PA-NbS model that highlights the role of risk perception, trust, competing societal interests, and ecosystem services. Efforts to increase acceptance should focus on providing and promoting awareness of benefits combined with effective communication and collaboration. Further research is required to understand interconnections among identified factors and how they can be leveraged for the success and further uptake of NbS.

Automated summary

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly being recognized as sustainable approaches to addressing societal challenges, particularly in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This shift towards NbS also highlights a trend of increasing reliance on public acceptance for planning, implementing, and managing DRR measures. Efforts to increase acceptance should focus on promoting awareness of benefits, effective communication, and collaboration, while further research is needed to understand the interconnections among identified factors for the success and wider adoption of NbS.