Supporting justice in cities with nature-based solutions: a spatial decision-making framework applied to Cape Town
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are central to urban resilience efforts, offering climate adaptation benefits alongside social and well-being co-benefits. However, without systematic consideration of socio-spatial factors, NbS implementation may reinforce existing inequalities. This paper adopts a justice-oriented approach to support equitable NbS planning, using Cape Town, South Africa, as a case study. We develop a spatial decision-support framework that integrates ecosystem service demand, social vulnerability, and environmental risk to prioritize NbS types and locations. Results help identify both areas with the greatest need for NbS interventions and the types of NbS most suitable for those areas.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Urban Planning and Governance
Urban Green Space and Health
Land Use and Ecosystem Services
Publication details
- Journal / source
- International Journal of Water Resources Development
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 42
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 410–437
- Publication date
- 4 February 2026
- Language
- EN