Approaches to Nature-Based Solutions for Soil Conservation and Ecosystem Resilience

We are pleased to invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute to this Special Issue, which focuses on the social and processual dimensions of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for soil conservation and ecosystem resilience. This Special Issue aims to explore the critical role of participatory processes, governance frameworks, and community engagement in ensuring the long-term success, social acceptance, and technical implementation of NBS for soil preservation and sustainable land management.

Soil and land degradation are among the most pressing environmental challenges worldwide. While technical and scientific solutions are essential, their effectiveness and sustainability depend largely on the social structures, governance models, and participatory mechanisms that support them. Living Labs, co-creation spaces, and community-led initiatives are emerging as key enablers of social innovation in soil management strategies.

We welcome articles addressing topics including, but not limited to:

• NBS practices for preventing soil erosion, enhancing soil health, and improving land resilience
• The role of social processes in the adoption and success of NBS for soil conservation
• Participatory methodologies, such as Living Labs, for co-developing solutions with local communities
• Governance models and policy frameworks that enhance the social sustainability of soil-focused NBS
• The integration of science-based knowledge with local and traditional experience in soil stewardship and ecosystem restoration
• Social and economic incentives for farmers and land managers to implement NBS
• Stakeholder collaboration in soil conservation: bridging scientists, policymakers, farmers, and local communities
• Community-led monitoring and citizen science initiatives for soil health assessment
• The role of social innovation and behavioral change in ensuring the long-term adoption of NBS.

This Special Issue aims to bridge the gap between ecological science, technology, and the social dimensions of sustainable land management. We encourage interdisciplinary perspectives from environmental sciences, social sciences, governance studies, rural development, and ecological economics.

By focusing on the human and societal factors that underpin the success of NBS, this issue seeks to foster a deeper understanding of how community-driven approaches can enhance soil resilience, biodiversity, and climate adaptation efforts.

We look forward to your valuable contributions and to fostering a rich dialogue on how social innovation can shape the future of soil conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Article types and fees

This Special Issue accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Special Issue description:

• Brief Research Report
• Commentary
• Editorial
• Letter to the Editor
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Special Issue accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Special Issue description:

• Brief Research Report
• Commentary
• Editorial
• Letter to the Editor
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Review

Keywords: Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), Soil conservation, Ecosystem resilience, Participatory processes, Governance frameworks, Community engagement, Sustainable land management, Soil and land degradation, Living Labs, Co-creation, Social innovation, Stakeholder collaboration, Policy frameworks, Science-policy interface, Traditional knowledge, Citizen science, Behavioral change, Social sustainability, Soil health assessment, Climate adaptation