IMPORTANCE OF NATURE-BASED SOLUTION IN WATER RESOURCE ENGINEERING

Nature-based solutions (NBS) refer to the use of natural systems and processes to address societal
challenges related to water resources. These solutions have gained significant attention in recent
years as a way to address the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, as well as to enhance
ecosystem services and biodiversity. In this essay, I will discuss the importance of NBS in water
resource engineering and the various ways in which NBS can be used to address water resource
challenges.

One of the main advantages of NBS is that they are often more sustainable and resilient than
traditional engineering solutions. NBS mimic the natural processes and functions of ecosystems,
which are often more adaptable and able to cope with changes in the environment. For example,
wetlands and mangroves can act as natural buffers against storm surges and sea level rise, while
green roofs and rain gardens can help to reduce urban flooding.

Another important aspect of NBS is that they often have multiple benefits, or "co-benefits," beyond
just addressing water resource challenges. For example, using natural systems to filter and purify
water can also enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration,
pollination, and recreation. Additionally, NBS can also have social and economic benefits, such as
providing jobs and income for local communities, and improving access to clean water and
sanitation.

NBS can also be more cost-effective than traditional engineering solutions. For example, using
natural systems to filter and purify water can be less expensive than building and maintaining a
traditional water treatment plant. Additionally, NBS can also save costs in the long-term by reducing
the need for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

In the field of water resource engineering, NBS can be used in a variety of ways to address different
challenges. For example, NBS can be used for water storage, such as creating artificial wetlands to
store excess water during floods, or using aquifers to store water during droughts. NBS can also be
used for water treatment, such as using constructed wetlands to filter and purify water, or using
phytoremediation to remove pollutants from water.

In addition, NBS can also be used for flood management, such as using green infrastructure, such as
rain gardens and green roofs, to reduce urban flooding, or using natural systems, such as wetlands
and mangroves, to act as buffers against storm surges and sea level rise. NBS can also be used for
drought management, such as using rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store water during
periods of low rainfall.
In conclusion, nature-based solutions (NBS) are an important aspect of water resource engineering,
as they often provide sustainable, resilient and cost-effective solutions to address water resource
challenges. NBS mimic the natural processes and functions of ecosystems which are often more
adaptable and able to cope with changes in the environment. Additionally, NBS often have multiple
benefits, or "co-benefits," beyond just addressing water resource challenges, such as enhancing
biodiversity, ecosystem services, and social and economic benefits. As climate change continues to
affect water resources and the weather patterns, it's more important than ever to understand the
importance of NBS in water resource engineering and to continue to develop and implement these
solutions.