Nature-based Solutions: evolution through time in the Mediterranean Basin

The Mediterranean basin may be one of the few bioregions on earth where the steep environmental gradients and the biota are so tightly intermixed and interrelated within diverse ecological niches, ecosystems and landscapes. However, several natural or human-induced challenges threaten this unique ecosystem, such as climate change, exacerbating droughts, habitat and biodiversity losses. Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) represent a new concept, including old and new practices (i.e., green roofs), inspired by nature in harmony with humans to face contemporary societal and environmental challenges. EU-funded projects such as the DRYAD aim to bring upfront, upscale and highlight such practices in Mediterranean agroecosystems. This article presents a literature review on NbSs since 2000 with special emphasis on the Mediterranean basin.