Water Resources Management Through Nature-Based Solutions

Managing water resources is essential for maintaining ecosystems, supporting economic development, and protecting public health. The book chapter, “Water Resources Management Through Nature-Based Solutions,” investigates innovative methods to address current water management challenges. Traditional approaches often struggle with issues such as water scarcity, conflicting interests, infrastructure demands, policy and governance shortcomings, climate change, pollution, financial limitations, population growth, technological deficiencies, and data gaps. Nature-based solutions utilize natural processes and ecosystems to improve water management practices. For example, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge can help mitigate water scarcity, while wetland restoration and green infrastructure enhance water quality and offer flood protection. Engaging stakeholders and using participatory approaches can resolve conflicting interests, ensuring fair and sustainable water allocation. Effective water resources management also demands robust policies and adaptive governance structures. Nature-based solutions support these by promoting integrated watershed management and encouraging community involvement. They also enhance climate resilience by increasing water storage and mitigating drought and flood risks. By integrating traditional knowledge with innovative practices, nature-based solutions provide a holistic strategy for water resources management. This chapter offers insights into their implementation, emphasizing the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration, sufficient funding, and continuous monitoring to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Naveen Dwivedi, Shubha Dwivedi and Lucas Meili; individual chapters, the contributors.