Prerequisites for the adoption of nature-based solutions in local communities using the NbS Assessment Tool (NAT): A case study of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Globally, heatwaves are intensifying due to climate change, particularly in high-density cities like Lahore, Pakistan. Research indicates that global temperatures have increased by 1.1°C since pre-industrial times. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer an efficient approach to managing heatwaves, which can help enhance urban green infrastructure development, improve air quality in urban areas, and provide residents with better urban living conditions, ultimately enhancing the well-being of communities. The research presents the NbS Assessment Tool (NAT) as an assessment framework that measures the readiness of local urban communities and assesses the availability of local knowledge, as well as the presence of basic infrastructural amenities in the area, providing a foundation for NbS applications. This framework evaluates five key dimensions: social awareness, economic viability, physical support, readiness to adapt, and institutional support. For this research, Lahore city was divided into three zones: core, urban, and periphery. Each zone was further subdivided into informal and formal communities to better assess the communities and their perceptions. By analyzing these dimensions in relation to selected indicators, this tool determines whether urban communities meet the prerequisites for NbS adoption or not. The framework provides a planned approach for policymakers, urban planners, and local communities to implement effective NbS strategies in urban areas. While this study focuses on Lahore, the assessment tool offers a scalable model that can be applied globally to evaluate the willingness of urban communities to adopt these solutions.