Nature-based solutions to address water challenges in the Andean region: a mixed-methods approach

Urban water management in the Andean region faces growing pressures from climate change, rapid urban expansion, and persistent social inequalities. These challenges make it increasingly difficult for cities to ensure reliable, safe, and equitable access to water. In this context, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have gained attention as a promising way to complement traditional infrastructure. They include both ancestral practices – such as amunas, ancient infiltration canals, and qochas, high-altitude ponds used to store rainwater – and modern green infrastructure that helps improve stormwater management, enhance aquifer recharge, and support climate resilience. Despite their potential, NbS are not yet widely implemented due to institutional, technical, financial, and socio-cultural barriers. This doctoral thesis investigates these limitations and develops practical tools to strengthen the integration of NbS into water management in urban and peri-urban areas of the Andes. Through a systematic literature review and a mixed-methods study involving experts and local actors, the research identifies 26 types of NbS, along with 36 barriers and 19 enablers that shape their implementation. Building on this evidence, the thesis proposes seven guiding principles and an evaluation framework designed specifically for Andean contexts. These tools support the selection and early-stage assessment of NbS by incorporating key dimensions such as governance, legal integration, community participation, ancestral knowledge, and territorial resilience. Ultimately, the thesis aims to provide actionable guidance to promote more effective, equitable, and sustainable water management solutions in the region.