Nature based solutions (NbS) for Landslide Risk Management

In recent years, nature-based solutions (NbS) for landslide risk mitigation have become a popular measure and are being effectively used in many Asian countries, such as Hong Kong, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Thailand. The experiences in those countries show that not all types of landslides can be mitigated through NbS alone. NbS will always help to enhance the effect of other mitigation measures such as conventional engineering measures. In view of the above, the World Bank launched an Analytics and Advisory Services project in Sri Lanka on Nature-Based Landslide Risk Management, with the partnership of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), the mandated agency for landslide risk management in Sri Lanka. The project aims to raise awareness and deepen the knowledge on the role of nature-based and hybrid (combined nature-based and conventional engineering measures) solutions for landslide risk management within the country. The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) was roped in as an implementing partner to support and technically guide the project execution. This policy brief summarizes the background, advantages, application aspects, and major challenges of NbS application for landslide risk management and suggestions for overcoming those challenges. The technical brief aims to create awareness and knowledge dissemination on NbS for landslide risk mitigation.