PhD defence T.K. (Tannya) Pico Parra

Brief summary:

In response to the escalating impacts of climate change, urban areas around the world are increasingly turning to innovative approaches to increase their resilience. One approach that has gained substantial attention is Nature-based Solutions (NbS). NbS combines the characteristics and potential of natural assets to address environmental and societal challenges. This approach encompasses a spectrum of actions ranging from restoring urban wetlands to creating green rooftops and urban forests, all designed to enhance cities’ ability to withstand climate impacts. While the development of NbS as an umbrella concept has been considerable in recent years, significant gaps still exist in terms of its effective implementation. Effective implementation of NbS is crucial to ensure that the various co-benefits that have been conceptually associated with these strategies materialize.

Consequently, this research has embarked upon a comprehensive exploration of the effective implementation of NbS, using the absorptive capacities framework and focusing on three NbS case studies in the city of Quito, Ecuador. The core objectives of this study are two-fold: to present the key factors for effective implementation of NbS, and to delve into the factors that influence it in three NbS initiatives in Quito. In doing so, the research also aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and urban practitioners and to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on NbS implementation in various urban contexts.