Have you ever wondered how we can harness the power of nature to tackle urban challenges? In an era where urban environments are increasingly vulnerable to the ravages of climate change, innovative and sustainable solutions are imperative.

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are pivotal in addressing the escalating flood risks posed by intensified precipitation patterns. By enhancing urban flood resilience through stormwater management, NBS like Retention Ponds and Detention Basins offer sustainable and impactful strategies. Our study, focusing on Sweden, aims to develop a Suitability Mapping Approach within the Multicriteria Analysis method, tailored to identify ideal locations for these NBS measures.

Employing a mixed-method approach, the study integrated quantitative GIS-based suitability analysis with qualitative insights from expert interviews. The process unfolded in three stages: (1) framework development, (2) practical application in Jönköping, Sweden as a case study, and (3) subsequent refinements based on expert insights. The findings show that 7.5% of potential sites for DBs and 7% for RPs met all criteria for suitability in the case study.

The qualitative phase, involving key-informant interviews with local experts, validated several critical criteria and underscored the necessity of excluding contaminated zones. Moreover, highlighted the importance of incorporating socio-cultural factors alongside the biophysical characteristics in the framework.

In conclusion, this study contributes to the body of knowledge on NBS suitability mapping. The framework offers guidance for climate strategists and urban planners at the municipal level, in selecting optimal locations for NBS initiatives for urban flood resilience and enhance stormwater management. The gained insights, offer a practical, credible, and holistic approach, bridging scientific research with actionable urban planning solutions.

Join us in exploring how our framework can contribute to climate adaptive strategies, fostering sustainable and resilient cities ready to face future climate challenges.