Sustainable Synergy: Strengthening disaster risk reduction in Latin America and the Caribbean through nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions (NbS) have recently gained significant attention as a sustainable disaster risk reduction (DRR) approach. This article explores the application and effectiveness of NbS in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, which is highly exposed to diverse hazards. Through a scoping literature review and analysis of case studies, we examine the diverse range of NbS implemented in LAC countries and their contributions to DRR. The LAC region faces numerous challenges in managing and mitigating the impacts of disasters, including those triggered by hurricanes, floods, landslides, and droughts. Traditional engineering approaches alone have proven insufficient, prompting the exploration of NbS as an alternative or complementary strategy. NbS harnesses ecosystems' inherent resilience and protective qualities to reduce several disaster risk drivers and enhance community resilience. Our analysis unveils key processes and challenges for advancing DRR through NbS. Additionally, it reveals a wide array of NbS interventions in LAC, including the restoration of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs, the implementation of green infrastructure systems, and the promotion of agroforestry practices. These interventions offer multiple benefits, from reducing coastal erosion and flood risks to improving water management and biodiversity. Finally, NbS provide social and economic co-benefits, such as sustainable livelihoods, improved health outcomes, and enhanced ecosystem services.