Trends and insights in Nature-Based Solutions: A bibliometric study

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate resilience from 2010 to 2024. NbS are sustainable approaches that utilize natural ecosystems to mitigate climate change, enhance resilience, and support adaptation strategies. Utilizing data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, a total of 765 documents were analysed after removing duplicates. The dataset reveals a significant growth in research on Nature-based Solutions, with an annual growth rate of 46.61%. These documents were published across 385 sources, with an average document age of 3.26 years, reflecting the field’s recent expansion. The average rate of 21.99 citations per document highlights the academic impact of these studies. Collaborative research is prominent, with 3,214 authors contributing at a co-authorship rate of 4.87 authors per document, though single-authored works account for only 65 publications. International collaboration is moderate, with 18.56% of publications involving authors from multiple countries. The study explores key thematic areas, influential authors, leading institutions, and global collaboration networks. It also examines emerging research trends and the evolving focus on integrating Nature-based Solutions into climate resilience and climate adaptation strategies. This bibliometric review provides valuable insights that can guide future research, inform policy development, and support practitioners in scaling up the implementation of Nature-based Solutions for sustainable climate adaptation and resilience-building.