Towards enhancing nature-based solutions in flood risk management in Australia: A review of their barriers, enablers, and future perspectives

This paper aims to review and synthesise the current state of knowledge on NbS for FRM in Australia, with a particular focus on identifying key barriers, enablers, and future directions. Drawing on a systematic literature review (SLR) of peer-reviewed studies, this paper (1) identifies the major challenges and enabling factors influencing NbS implementation, (2) assesses the current landscape of NbS adoption in Australian FRM, and (3) provides a structured synthesis of implementation pathways and strategic priorities that may support the broader integration of NbS into future Australian adaptation and FRM practices.

Conversely, six enabler clusters were identified: (E1) Policy, Legislation and Institutional Frameworks, (E2) Collaboration, Intermediaries and Multi-Level Partnerships, (E3) Community Awareness, Social Licence and Co-Design, (E4) Finance, Incentives and Business Cases, (E5) Evidence, Data, Tools and Decision Frameworks, and (E6) Design Integration, Multifunctionality and Implementation/Pilots. Building on these findings, this study provides a structured synthesis of fragmented Australian NbS literature by integrating governance, financial, technical, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions influencing implementation pathways for FRM.