The role of nature-based solutions in disaster risk reduction: The decision maker's perspectives on urban resilience in São Paulo state

Abstract This paper presents the co-learning process outcomes based on Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). EbA principles are directly associated with resilience improvement that depends on NbS for change of patterns and actions. Basically, we expected to explore how urban systems can be improved avoiding environmental degradation (i.e. waste ecosystem services and their benefits). Therefore, distinct scenarios were proposed with specific objectives: (1) identification of barriers and challenges; (2) identification of opportunities for NbS implementation. Throughout a workshop, we had chance to discuss knowledge gaps and potential emerging research such as: (1) synergies between DRR and EbA; (2) a long-term perspective of ecosystem management; (3) dynamic of DRR and the natural processes involved considering the complexity of NbS. We conclude that existing measures are limited in their ecological focus regarding to DRR and benefits they address. For this reason, a more comprehensive approach to support NbS and its systematic mainstreaming is required.