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

Anderson, C. C. and Renaud, F. G. (2021) A review of public acceptance of nature-based solutions: the ‘why’, ‘when’, and ‘how’ of success for disaster risk reduction measures. AMBIO, 50(8), pp. 1552-1573. (doi: 10.1007/s13280-021-01502-4) (PMID:33606249)

Abstract

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The contribution of Carl C. Anderson was supported by a University of Glasgow College of Social Sciences PhD Scholarship. This work was also supported by the European Union’s (EU) Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. It was funded by and carried out within the framework of the OPERANDUM (OPEn-air laboRAtories for Nature baseD solUtions to Manage hydro-meteo risks) project (Grant No. 776848).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Renaud, Professor Fabrice and Anderson, Carl Cyrus
• Authors: Anderson, C. C., and Renaud, F. G.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: AMBIO
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0044-7447
• ISSN (Online): 1654-7209
• Published Online: 19 February 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in AMBIO 50(8): 1552-1573
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License