Nature-based Solutions for Watermanagent in Paramaribo

Abstract

This thesis investigates the potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address urban water management challenges in Paramaribo, Suriname. The city, characterized by intense rainfall and inadequate drainage infrastructure, frequently faces significant flooding, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable and resilient solutions. The research focuses on the applicability of NbS as an alternative to traditional grey infrastructure, particularly in the context of rapidly urbanizing tropical environments, where such solutions are still relatively unexplored.

Paramaribo faces a range of urban water management challenges, including high surface runoff and socio-economic impacts from frequent flooding. These issues are exacerbated by rapid urbanization, leading to extensive soil sealing that reduces the natural capacity for water infiltration. Against this backdrop, the thesis explores the potential of NbS as a promising but underutilized solution, particularly in tropical settings where existing literature on this topic is sparse. The study emphasizes that small-scale investigations, such as this one, can be critical in addressing the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation.

The literature review discusses various types of NbS, such as green roofs, bioswales, and permeable pavements, highlighting their potential benefits, including runoff reduction, water quality improvement, and biodiversity enhancement. However, in the context of Paramaribo, these co-benefits work differently.

The research focuses on a study area around Wakapasi in Paramaribo, using it as a small-scale case study to explore broader urban challenges. The selection of a smaller study area allows for detailed investigation, offering valuable insights into the effective implementation of NbS in similar contexts. The study acknowledges that while NbS holds promise, the challenges of ensuring their effectiveness in tropical environments must be critically examined.

Methodologically, the study employs a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) to evaluate different NbS options based on effectiveness, cost, and social acceptability. Semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders and think-tank discussions emphasize the importance of local knowledge and institutional support, advocating for a bottom-up, participative approach to climate adaptation. The full-scale bioswale tests at AdeKUS provide empirical data, but the results are presented with critical nuance. While the bioswale tests did not show an emptying time of less than 24 hours, which is typically desirable to avoid standing water, the tests did not attract mosquitoes or pests. Additionally, the potential for preferential flow due to vegetation growth is noted, which could significantly increase infiltration rates over time, potentially by tenfold, once native vegetation fully establishes.

The results offer a mixed assessment of the potential for NbS in Paramaribo. On one hand, the bioswale tests demonstrate tangible measures that can be integrated into urban landscapes, providing proof of efficacy within a clearly defined context. The study also provides a clear description of the conditions under which NbS designs should be implemented based on the context of the region, offering practical guidance for future projects. However, the research also highlights the limitations and challenges, particularly in achieving rapid infiltration rates in combination with heavy rainfall and the uncertainties associated with long-term performance.

The study concludes by reflecting on the broader implications for urban water management in Paramaribo and similar tropical environments. The findings suggest that NbS could play a significant role in enhancing urban resilience, but their success depends on careful design, robust stakeholder engagement, and adaptive management strategies and the potential effects need to be researched further. The thesis emphasizes the potential for a bottom-up implementation strategy, where local involvement and incremental, evidence-based approaches guide the deployment of NbS. However, it also underscores the importance of remaining critical about the efficacy of these solutions, as the success of NbS is not guaranteed and must be rigorously tested and adapted to local conditions.