Revealing global trends on nature-based solutions: Mapping and visualizing research landscapes

Abstract

Nature-based Solutions (NbS), a concept introduced specifically to leverage natural mechanisms to combat global challenges like climate change, disaster risk reduction, food security, and social and economic development, deliver synchronous rewards to society, the economy, and nature. Such solutions function as a transdisciplinary umbrella, drawing on expertise and knowledge from various concepts in environmental planning, economics, and engineering. NbS are experiencing appeal in research, business, and policy owing to their verified or perceived practicality, affordability, and scalability assessed against traditional technological competitors. Motivated by the broad embrace of these solutions, the present analysis intends to provide a detailed assessment of global knowledge, with an emphasis on quantifying and assessing progress made in the field. By stressing research dynamics as a key innovation parameter, this analysis expects to deliver key insights to both researchers and practitioners, driving future research investments and perspectives. The study utilized the Scopus database to perform a comprehensive retrieval and performance analysis of global research on NbS. VOSviewer software was applied to investigate and visualize collaboration patterns, citation links among prominent knowledge-sharing platforms, and primary topics determined by keyword co-occurrence networks. In addition, SciMAT software was applied to recognize both driving and emergent themes while also exploring the coherence of distinct themes across various periods. Globally, a total of 1,136 relevant documents were identified and analyzed. The United Kingdom dominates at the global level in terms of productivity with 235 documents (20.7 %), while the European region yields the largest number of contributing countries in association with its institutions and funding agencies. The developing countries show underrepresentation in global endeavors towards research on NbS. Environmental science prevailed in the subject areas, being followed by social sciences. Disaster risk reduction, engagement of stakeholders in designing and implementing nature-based interventions, and climate change challenges will continue to play a primary role in structuring and shaping NbS research activities in the foreseeable future. In conclusion, the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary models should be mainstreamed to advance the science and practice of NbS. Moreover, key technological advances should be prioritized, like robotics and autonomous vehicles, drone technologies, artificial intelligence, and molecular techniques for ecological and species monitoring. Advancing NbS in developing regions implies focusing on local concerns, boosting biodiversity, and confirming sustainability. Success in this regard demands inclusive governance, capacity-building initiatives, and global funding resources.