Nature-based solutions in informal settlements: A systematic review of projects in Southeast Asian and Pacific countries

The article reviews the literature on nature-based solutions (NbS) in informal settlements in Southeast Asian and Pacific countries to identify the main trends and research gaps in the field. Nature-based solutions (NbS) have gained traction in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region over the last decade.

This review concludes that while the literature on NbS is still mostly concentrated in the Global North, existing projects in Southeast Asian and Pacific countries point to a growing interest on the potential of NbS projects in informal settlements. Our analysis provided insights into how community gardens, open green spaces, tree planting, infiltration devices, revegetation of waterfront landscapes and constructed wetlands have been used to address some of the challenges of informal settlements in the region. In particular, we found several examples of “time-honoured” projects that provide evidence that NbS play a central role in supporting ecosystem services and providing multiple co-benefits in informal settlements.