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WS 3.107

NbS in mountain areas

Details

Full Title
WS 3.107: Nature-based Solutions for mountain areas – Case studies, Projects and Reviews from Europe
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Stefano Sala
Co-Conveners
Dario Pezzotti, Annamaria Giorgi, Gloria Coatti, Riccardo Panza, Matteo Vizzarri,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
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Thematic Focus
Adaptation, Agriculture, Ecosystems, Sustainable Development, Tourism
Keywords
Nature Based Solutions, Climate Adaptation, Resilience, Case Study

Description

Adaptation to climate change has become a central and urgent topic to be addressed by research institutions. In this urgency, Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) offer an adaptive approach integrating ecological and social dimensions, enhancing the capacity to anticipate and recover from climate impacts. However, in mountain regions, where climate change progresses even faster, practical examples are not well-defined or structured. Some European projects, such as MountResilience (financed by the European Commission – Horizon Europe Mission Adaptation to Climate Change), are born to address these challenges by supporting transformative climate adaptation in mountain regions. As an example, in order to enhance the knowledge about specific practices, the project is developing an online and opensource database of NbS and best practices for mountain adaptation. This workshop aims to discuss and provide concrete case studies and examples of NbS applicable to mountain areas in different key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, risk-prevention.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.8812

Improving green roof design: The crucial role of substrate depth for microclimate and plant composition

Andrea Ganthaler
Barkmann, Friederike; Mayr, Stefan; Rüdisser, Johannes

Abstract/Description

Green roofs, which integrate vegetation into urban environments, help to counteract the negative effects of increasing sealed surfaces. So-called ‘semi-intensive’ green roofs, which incorporate varying substrate depths and structural heterogeneity, offer a promising balance between the benefits of extensive green roofs with a few centimetres of substrate (reducing static loads, as well as construction and maintenance costs) and the improved growth conditions of deeper substrates. However, the effect of this improved design on the microclimate, and its interaction with vegetation establishment remains underexplored.
We investigated a large semi-intensive green roof in Tyrol (Austria) to assess how variation in substrate depth (14 cm versus 7 cm) influences microclimate, vegetation composition, and plant stress responses. Our findings show that increased substrate depth significantly reduced maximum soil and surface temperatures (from 47.7 and 57.1°C with 7 cm substrate to 38.7 and 49.6°C with 14 cm substrate, respectively), as well as daily temperature variations. In addition, species composition differed within the roof, with higher cover of vascular species and non-succulent herbs in areas with deeper substrate and plant species not otherwise found on the roof in areas with deadwood piles on gravel. Plant physiological responses to summer heat waves ranged from reduced plant water potential (below 2.2 MPa in non-succulent herbs) to photosynthetic impairment (reduced electron transport rates and lower maximum fluorescence), the latter more pronounced in sedum species.
Our results demonstrate that even small variations in substrate depth and structural heterogeneity can create distinct microclimates on an otherwise homogeneous green roof. More favourable temperature and moisture conditions in deeper substrate areas promote plant growth, taxonomic diversity, and structural complexity of the vegetation. A better understanding of plant physiological responses to roof conditions can inform species selection, fostering (regional) species, plant diversity, resilient vegetation, and reducing reliance on uniform sedum-dominated plantings. This knowledge will contribute to the long-term sustainability and stress resistance of green roofs.

ID: 3.9602

Alpine dwarf shrubs growing on green roofs

Carlotta Musso
Ganthaler, Andrea; Mayr, Stefan

Abstract/Description

Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular for their environmental, economic, and social benefits. Depending on substrate depth, grasses, herbaceous plants, or even woody shrubs and trees can be planted. Using native and functionally diverse species could increase biodiversity and benefit several green roof functions. However, due to the extreme conditions on the roof, suitable species need to be identified.
This study aimed to evaluate whether four Alpine dwarf shrubs (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea, Calluna vulgaris) are suitable and physiologically adapted to the harsh conditions of green roofs. We assessed this in two experimental green roof plots with 10 and 30 cm substrate to reflect the conditions of an extensive and an intensive green roof, respectively. Various climatic parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, soil temperature, and soil water potential) were monitored throughout the experiment. Seasonal variations in midday leaf water potential (Ψmidday, MPa), leaf temperature, gas exchange, fluorescence, and daily variations in these parameters during a humid and a dry period were recorded.
Leaf water potentials showed a distinct decrease during the dry period compared to the more humid period. Accordingly, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance decreased under dry conditions. Mean Ψmidday was more negative, and mean midday leaf temperature was higher for shrubs in the 10 cm plot, whereas stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate were higher for shrubs in the 30 cm plot. Vaccinium spp. and C. vulgaris showed very low transpiration and photosynthetic rates compared to A. uva-ursi, and severe defoliation and partial dieback after the dry period.
Overall, dwarf shrubs performed well in the 30 cm plot, with all species surviving the dry period, while only A. uva-ursi did not show drought-induced damage in the 10 cm plot. Therefore, different substrate depths on green roofs may create different ecological niches to support various species. The use of appropriate Alpine dwarf shrubs may help to improve species richness on green roofs.

ID: 3.10257

Nature-based Solutions in mountain areas to meet EU Nature Restoration Targets: First insights from the project EVESNAT

Uta Schirpke
Grêt-Regamey, Adrienne; Probst, Yannick; Palomo, Ignacio; Leitinger, Georg; Liekens, Tist; Tappeiner, Ulrike

Abstract/Description

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are a promising approach to address challenges related to the implementation of the new EU Nature Restoration Law. However, the ability of NbS to co-generate benefits for human well-being is still insufficiently understood. Therefore, the aim of the project EVESNAT is to evaluate the role of NbS in supporting biodiversity and human well-being under the new EU Nature Restoration Law. Focusing on case study sites in the European Alps, which are located in different ecosystems and with differing social-ecological characteristics, EVESNAT first develops spatially explicit scenarios of NbS adopting a participatory approach. NbS scenarios are aimed to address different issues, including biodiversity enhancement, climate change mitigation, and improvement of resilience and autonomy. By quantifying and comparing multiple key ecosystem services such as provision of food, timbre, and water, mitigation of mountain hazards and heat, climate regulation, recreational opportunities, inspiration, and aesthetic experiences, the project analyses potential impacts and benefits, as well as synergies and trade-offs among ecosystem services across NbS scenarios, in addition to assessing the results in terms of biodiversity co-benefits. The findings of the project EVESNAT will contribute to an improved management and governance supporting the targets of the Nature Restoration Law and provide a knowledge base with general guidelines and concrete examples of NbS supporting biodiversity conservation and assuring the provision of multiple ecosystem services.

ID: 3.12067

MountResilience – A concrete framework for mountain adaptation to climate change

Dario Pezzotti
Sala, Stefano; Coatti, Gloria; Giupponi, Luca; Panza, Riccardo; Vizzarri, Matteo; Bisaglia, Beatrice; Giorgi, Annamaria

Abstract/Description

Innovative approaches are urgently needed to address the complex challenges posed by climate change, particularly in mountain regions where its impacts are rapid and more pronounced than in urban areas. In this context, the MountResilience project, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to enhance the adaptive capacity of local communities through a multi-level stakeholder engagement process that integrates local knowledge with scientific expertise. The innovative approach developed by MountResilience begins with reconstructing impact chains (ICs) to assess risk and vulnerability through bilateral interviews. Building on this local knowledge, the project adapts and reinterprets European engagement frameworks, such as the Regional Adaptation Support Tool (RAST) and the TransformAr playbook, to align with local expertise via a decision-making process that validates early-collected information. This approach also incorporates a digital tool, the MountResilience Solution Database, designed to facilitate the identification of climate change adaptation solutions for mountain areas. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are crucial for enhancing the resilience of mountain territories by synergizing ecological sustainability with social resilience. They improve communities’ abilities to anticipate and respond to climate-induced disturbances while offering multiple benefits. This innovative framework underscores the importance of localized, stakeholder-driven approaches in managing climate risks, offering a replicable model for developing climate change adaptation strategies tailored to regional needs. The MountResilience case studies, where stakeholders are engaged in developing regional climate change adaptation strategies, provides a novel perspective on the effectiveness of co-creation processes. Its interdisciplinary approach, which integrates multi-level local knowledge with scientific data, has enabled the consistent application of this procedure across six European regions. This concrete framework offers actionable insights in accelerating decision-making processes, particularly within the challenging context of mountain regions.

ID: 3.13365

Traditional aquifer recharge practices in Spanish mountains. Insights from semi-arid Sierra Nevada.

Thomas Zakaluk
Jódar, Jorge; Martos-Rosillo, Sergio

Abstract/Description

Human interference may have a noticeable impact on the hydrological behavior of small watersheds in high mountains. This is especially true in semi-arid climates where water resources are scarce, but agriculture and pastoralism are of utmost importance to the local livelihoods.

Traditional irrigation communities of Spanish mountain areas have a long tradition in using artificial aquifer recharge as a means of enhancing spring flow and river base flow during the dry summer months. The simple technique, also known as water sowing and harvesting (WS&H), consists in deviating surface water from rivers and gullies with unlined channels during high flow periods to facilitate its infiltration into sloping aquifers either directly through permeable materials or indirectly through irrigating pastureland.

The objective of this work is to give examples from different WS&H practices in Spain, highlighting the importance such nature-based solutions may have, not only socio-economically but also in the way it influences the natural environment. We will present a detailed case study from Sierra Nevada, in which we calculate the water balance of a small watershed based on continuous streamflow monitoring data obtained between 2021 and 2023.

The Mecina watershed (48 km2, 883-2768 m ASL) is characterized by steep slopes and covered almost completely by weathered schists which form thin aquifers (< 50 m). An extensive network of recharge channels, known as acequias de careo, are in use since medieval times to enhance water availability in low-flow periods.

Our results confirm local knowledge on the impacts of careo aquifer recharge. In the water years 2022 and 2023 artificial recharge may have contributed up to 83% and 21% to the total aquifer recharge, respectively. The specific case study not only highlights how human interfere in mountain hydrology by regulating inter-annual river flow variability, but it also calls for the need of field research focused on groundwater-surface water interactions in similar settings.

WS 3.106: Tourism(s) in Mountain Huts: Climate Change, Tourism flows, Visitor Impacts, and Sustainable Management Solutions

WS 3.108: ACTRIS Austria Annual Meeting: Advancing Aerosol, Cloud, and Trace Gas Research in Mountainous Regions

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

WS 3.107

NbS in mountain areas

Details

Full Title

Scheduled

Location

Convener

Co-Conveners

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

Submitted Abstracts

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

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