Priority areas for nature-based adaptation to climate change in the Alps.

Abstract

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are promising initiatives for climate change adaptation, mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Given the finite human and financial resources for NbS, identifying optimal locations is critical. Here, we identified priority areas for drought adaptation in the European Alps using the "bright spots" approach to estimate future water deficit and surplus from groundwater and soil moisture. We identified overlaps and mismatches of these priority areas with mitigation and biodiversity conservation opportunities. Our analyses reveal that priority areas for adaptation have limited overlap with regions prioritised for mitigation or biodiversity conservation. We considered potential levers to implement NbS from local socio-ecological characteristics. Notably, over 60% of croplands and wetlands identified as priority areas overlap with protected areas. In contrast, over 52% of priority areas for adaptation in forests and grasslands are located in rural regions without protection status, where participatory processes with local communities will be crucial to implement NbS.