LAC: Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are emerging as a vital strategy for sustainable development across Latin America. Deltares is actively contributing to this advancement. Through our “Building with Nature” philosophy and working with approaches such as Water as Leverage, Deltares collaborates with local governments, NGOs, and communities to co-develop solutions that are both scientifically robust and locally grounded.
NbS offer a way to address climate change, water management, and urban resilience by working with ecosystems rather than against them. These solutions, such as restoring wetlands, protecting mangroves, and implementing green infrastructure, capitalise on the region’s rich biodiversity to deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.
As Latin American countries face increasing climate risks, NbS provide a cost-effective and adaptive approach to safeguard communities and natural resources.
Using advanced modeling, open data platforms, and participatory methods, Deltares fosters informed decision-making and community ownership, enhancing climate resilience, promoting inclusive development and a healthy environment throughout the region.
Examples of our work
Development of the Weg naar Zee Coastline: System understanding and coastal defence strategies (Surinam)
This project explored strategies to combat long-term coastal erosion at Weg naar Zee by analysing sediment transport and coastal dynamics near the Suriname River mouth. Drawing on satellite imagery, field data, and expert input, it identified the critical roles of Marowijne and Amazon sands in shoreline stability and highlighted the absence of chenier formation east of the Temple as a key factor in erosion.
Inspired by natural mangrove recovery west of the Temple, the report proposes three coastal defense strategies: static ("grey"), dynamic ("green"), and hybrid ("green-grey"). These strategies emphasised the need for emergency measures to protect agriculture and livelihoods while implementing long-term solutions that integrate mangrove restoration and sediment management.
Contact person: Bob Smits.
IPDC Colombia: NBS for coastal erosion in the islands of San Andrés and Providencia (Colombia)
The International Panel of Deltas and Coasts (IPDC) is supporting Colombia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) goals through several targeted projects identified during a national climate adaptation workshop with the Ministry of Environment and key national and coastal stakeholders. Coastal erosion emerged as a major concern, as one of the main threats for the coastal areas of Colombia.
In this context, Deltares is leading the development of an NbS portfolio for prioritised locations in the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, to reduce coastal erosion risks, contributing to strengthening the adaptive capacity of Colombia.
Contact person: Marta Faneca.
Managed Aquifer Recharge: GIRAgua Recharge (Chile) and RECAR-BA/ASR4WS (Colombia)
The farmers in the Elqui river basin in Chile, and the Magdalena delta in Colombia have something in common; they all struggle during the dry periods to have enough water to grow their crops and sustain their economy and our diet. In these projects, Deltares assessed the feasibility and potential of increasing the availability of groundwater during the dry periods through managed aquifer recharge (MAR) methods.
MAR is the process of replenishing groundwater by intentionally directing surface water or treated wastewater into aquifers to enhance water availability and environmental sustainability. The direct beneficiaries of these projects are farmers, but there are significant co-benefits for other water users and nature.
Contact person: Marta Faneca.
Scoping for NbS to improve water security and navigation in the Upper Paraguay River Basin and the Pantanal region (Paraguay)
The Pantanal, an important area of the Upper Paraguay River Basin, have suffered prolonged droughts and overexploitation over the last decades. The Pantanal has lost 74% of its surface water in the last 30 years, putting water security at risk for people and nature. The aim of this study was to scope potential NbS that can address relevant challenges related to water security in the Upper Paraguay River Basin and Pantanal.
This study was part of the first stage of the NbS project cycle and focused mainly on the questions: what is the water security challenge? And what NbS options are most relevant?
Contact persons: Reinaldo Peñailillo and Viviane Malveira.
