Resilience of small islands: unveiling nature-based solutions for sustainable futures
- Author
- Nathalie Hilmi, Matías Crisóstomo, Angela Bermudo, Ralph Chami, Nicolas Imbert, and Carlos M. Duarte
- Year
- 2025
- Journal / Source
- Eds: Anvita Arora, Fateh Belaïd, Sara Lechtenberg-Kasten. Climate-resilient cities priorities for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries
- Publisher / Organisation
- Springer Nature
- Pages
- 257-280
- Summary
- This chapter explores the inherent resilience of small islands in the face of multifaceted challenges and examines the pivotal role of nature-based solutions in securing their sustainable trajectories. Small islands, possessing unique ecosystems and cultural heritages, face heightened vulnerabilities due to their size, geographical isolation, and exposure to various environmental, social, and economic stressors. Amid these challenges, the concept of resilience emerges as a beacon of hope, representing the capacity of these islands to adapt, withstand, and transform. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of literature and case studies, this chapter investigates the diverse dimensions of resilience exhibited by small islands. It examines the intricate interplay between natural systems and human societies, showcasing how nature-based solutions serve as a catalyst for resilience-building. From leveraging ecosystem services to integrating traditional knowledge and innovative technologies, these solutions offer sustainable pathways that bolster the resilience of small islands. This chapter highlights the significance of nature-based approaches in mitigating the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Rahui and marine reserves in NZ are used as a case study, but no NZ authors.