Scientific mapping of research on nature-based solutions for sustainable water management

Nature-based solutions (NBS), including the protection and restoration of ecosystems, can provide a major contribution to global sustainable water resources management (WRM) in both urban and rural areas, yet the knowledge base essential for facilitating widespread uptake is lacking. The objective of this paper is to identify the main developments and trends in NBS-related research over time, including areas for future research. A bibliometric approach is used to quantitatively analyze relevant publications indexed in the Web of Science database from 1990 to 2018. The study identifies five thematic hotspots within the research landscape and several areas for future research, including the evaluation of ecosystem services provided, design and implementation at the landscape scale and consideration of cultural aspects, to push forward operationalization.