Coastal and freshwater ecosystems, particularly those near densely populated cities, are highly threatened by climate change, land conversion, and pollution from wastewater, agricultural and industrial runoff, as well as macro- and microplastics. These cumulative stressors present several related human health and conservation challenges, including biodiversity loss, the increasing occurrence of harmful algal blooms, bioaccumulation of toxins and metals within food webs, and the proliferation of pathogens and invasive species.
As climate change drives sea-level rise and shifts in precipitation patterns, nature-based solutions (NBS), such as mangrove restoration and constructed wetlands, are increasingly gaining attention as attractive options for flood risk reduction. In addition, NBS can provide multiple co-benefits for conservation and human wellbeing, including promoting biodiversity, bioremediating polluted habitats, and creating access to blue spaces for community use.
However, these co-benefits may not be guaranteed. Indeed, NBS could perpetuate disservices if their trade-offs are not proactively addressed in their implementation and design. Thus, in this work, we explore the integration of a One Health framework into NBS planning and management for enhancing conservation and health outcomes in coastal and freshwater systems. Here, we will present the results of a scoping literature review and exploratory case study analysis of restoration- and development-focused NBS, including mangrove restoration, oyster reef restoration, and constructed wetlands. For each case, we compare the potential health and conservation outcomes of implementation with and without a One Health approach and draw conclusions about the utility of this framework in NBS planning and implementation.
This study contributes important insight into the possible benefits of designing NBS more explicitly with public health and conservation goals at the forefront. These findings will help current and future NBS initiatives and planning agendas consider the adoption of a more holistic approach in order to effectively deliver benefits to humans and nature alike.