Nature-based Solutions for landslide risk reduction in informal settlements of Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

This study presents an assessment of Nature‑based Solutions (NbS) for landslide disaster risk reduction in the informal settlements of Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. It identifies how NbS—such as vetiver grass, reforestation, and hybrid green–grey systems—can mitigate shallow‑landslide hazards while strengthening community resilience. Using qualitative, participatory methods, the research triangulates expert interviews, community workshops, and document analysis to understand why landslide risks persist, how NbS compare with conventional engineering, and which social and institutional factors shape their feasibility. 

The study highlights that NbS can match or exceed traditional engineering in cost‑effectiveness, ecological performance, and long‑term sustainability, provided they are tailored to site‑specific geotechnical conditions. Recommendations emphasise combining short‑term measures (e.g., vetiver grass) with long‑term ecosystem restoration, strengthening community awareness and participation, improving waste and drainage management, and integrating NbS into municipal planning frameworks. Lessons learned underline the need for culturally appropriate vegetation choices, hybrid solutions where necessary, and governance arrangements that empower residents while ensuring technical oversight.