Vision-based decision-making methodology for riparian forest restoration and flood protection using nature-based solutionsVision-based decision-making methodology for riparian forest restoration and flood protection using nature-based solutions Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2021-09-072020enNature-based solutions (NBS) are actions that use natural processes in a resource efficient manner to solve societal challenges. The lack of supportive legislature, and financial, communication and social barriers complicate the process of NBS implementation. It is an urgent need to develop approaches to design and implement NBS that would act as drivers to overcome potential barriers and enhance the social acceptability of the project. The vision-based decision-making methodology and participatory process created in this study has been carried out in the Koiliaris Critical Zone Observatory in Crete to design erosion and flood protection NBS and restore the riparian forest. The methodology consists of four distinct steps as follows: i) develop a vision of the area, ii) conduct a baseline assessment study, iii) NBS design and co-design, and iv) procurement and implementation. The methodology overcame multiple barriers because of the effective stakeholder engagement and the vision “drove” the project and created the necessary consensus that is necessary to achieve the objective of converting privately owned prime agricultural land to riparian forest. It offers an exemplar of a functional ecosystem restoration project that protects the river in a sustainable way, improves its biodiversity and water quality and improves the quality of life and social cohesion.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Sustainability128Lilli_et_al_Sustainability_12(8)_2020.pdfChania [Greece]Library of TUC2021-09-07application/pdf3.2 MBfree Lilli Maria Λιλλη Μαρια Nerantzaki Sofia Νεραντζακη Σοφια Riziotis Christos Kotronakis Emmanouil Κοτρωνακης Εμμανουηλ Efstathiou Dionysios Ευσταθιου Διονυσιος Kontakos Dimitris Lymberakis Petros Avramakis Manolis Tsakirakis Antonis Protopapadakis Konstantinos Nikolaidis Nikolaos Νικολαιδης Νικολαος MDPI Nature-based solutions Climate change Ecological restoration Flood risk management Stakeholder involvement Decision-making