Nature-based solutions for water management: Pluridisciplinary state-of-the-art and research needs

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer a way to preserve, manage and restore ecosystems so as to better meet today's societal challenges, by combining benefits for society and the environment, including biodiversity. They are a response to current climate change-related challenges for water management. However, various barriers exist to the implementation of NbS, such as a lack of appropriation of the concept, as well as needs for knowledge and know-how. Focusing on societal challenges linked to water, we highlight the importance of implementing pluridisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects when trying to implement NbS projects. This requires new approaches in research, practice, and governance. This discussion allows identifying levers for a widespread use of NbS for water management. • Ecological engineering meets Nature-based solutions with common principles and objectives. • They both respond to current challenges for environmental management, as considering co-benefits approaches. • Numerous barriers exist for the implementation of Nature-based solutions for water management. • Considering pluridisciplinary approaches in Nature-based solutions projects for water management is of prime importance.