Supporting justice in cities with nature-based solutions

a spatial decision-making framework applied to Cape Town

Journal Article (2026)
Author(s)

Gerdus van der Laarse (Student TU Delft)

Nazli Y. Aydin (TU Delft - System Engineering)

Juliana E. Gonçalves (TU Delft - Spatial Planning and Strategy)

Research Group
System Engineering
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2606344
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Research Group
System Engineering
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Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are central to urban resilience efforts, offering climate adaptation benefits alongside social and well-being co-benefits. However, without systematic consideration of socio-spatial factors, NbS implementation may reinforce existing inequalities. This paper adopts a justice-oriented approach to support equitable NbS planning, using Cape Town, South Africa, as a case study. We develop a spatial decision-support framework that integrates ecosystem service demand, social vulnerability, and environmental risk to prioritize NbS types and locations. Results help identify both areas with the greatest need for NbS interventions and the types of NbS most suitable for those areas.

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