Nature-based solutions for flood management in Asia and the Pacific
Countries in Asia and the Pacific face a heightened risk of flooding as disasters
increase worldwide due to climate change. Yet these countries often lack the infrastructure
necessary to prepare for and respond to floods effectively. When flood protection
measures exist, they generally rely only on grey, hard-engineered infrastructure,
which has been increasingly challenged in recent years. Nature-based solutions (NbS)
offer a new approach for flood management, with several co-benefits beyond the reduction
of risks. This approach has gained recognition from policy makers in the region, but
they are confronted with a number of challenges, including the lack of a clear, common
definition and guidelines, as well as financing issues. The growing imperatives of
climate adaptation call for complementary, innovative and forward-looking solutions,
such as a combined approach incorporating both NbS and grey infrastructure.
Published on March 22, 2024
In series:OECD Development Centre Working Papersview more titles