Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Risk Reduction in Lethem and Tabatinga, Guyana: An Integrated Approach

This study presents a comprehensive assessment and strategic framework for implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) to mitigate flooding in Lethem and Tabatinga, Region 9 of Guyana. The communities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to climate variability, hydrological dynamics, and socio-economic factors. A mixed-methods approach, comprising hydrological modelling and observation, a questionnaire survey with a sample of households in both communities, and interviews with municipal administrators, was utilised to acquire data for the study. The study utilised the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse the socio-economic impacts of flooding in the two communities. The results revealed that recent events, such as the significant floods of 2022, have prompted an urgent need for sustainable management strategies. Community engagement efforts, supported by data analysis through remote sensing technology, identified flood-prone areas and vulnerable populations, including women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Chi-Square testing was conducted to determine mutual dependence between the communities’ livelihood activities and disruptions to income and working days, and their ability to deal with flooding. Based on the results, the farmers were the group that the highest inability to deal with flooding. Existing infrastructure, including drainage systems and emergency response initiatives led by the Civil Defence Commission, has contributed to improved flood management; however, limitations persist, particularly in urban planning and land use practices. This study underscores the detailed process of implementing and adopting NBS approaches, such as flood conveyance solutions and water storage and bio-retention solutions. These solutions can improve water quality, preserve ecosystems, and enhance community well-being while reducing flood risks. Applying these solutions in the targeted communities promises to bolster ecological resilience, support climate adaptation, and reduce the incidence and the impact of floods in the sampled communities.