Geotechnical Aspects of N(H)bSs for Enhancing Sub-Alpine Mountain Climate Resilience
Mountain resilience is the ability of mountain regions to endure, adapt to, and recover from environmental, climatic, and anthropogenic stressors. Due to their steep topography, extreme weather conditions, and unique biodiversity, these areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change, natural ha...
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MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/3/512 |
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| author | Tamara Bračko Primož Jelušič Bojan Žlender |
| author_facet | Tamara Bračko Primož Jelušič Bojan Žlender |
| author_sort | Tamara Bračko |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Mountain resilience is the ability of mountain regions to endure, adapt to, and recover from environmental, climatic, and anthropogenic stressors. Due to their steep topography, extreme weather conditions, and unique biodiversity, these areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change, natural hazards, and human activities. This paper examines how nature-based solutions (NbSs) can strengthen slope stability and geotechnical resilience, with a specific focus on Slovenia’s sub-Alpine regions as a case study representative of the Alps and similar mountain landscapes worldwide. The proposed Climate-Adaptive Resilience Evaluation (CARE) concept integrates geomechanical analysis with geotechnical planning, addressing the impacts of climate change through a systematic causal chain that connects climate hazards, their effects, and resulting consequences. Key factors such as water infiltration, soil permeability, and groundwater dynamics are identified as critical elements in designing timely and effective NbSs. In scenarios where natural solutions alone may be insufficient, hybrid solutions (HbSs) that combine nature-based and conventional engineering methods are highlighted as essential for managing unstable slopes and restoring collapsed geostructures. The paper provides practical examples, including slope stability analyses and reforestation initiatives, to illustrate how to use the CARE concept and how NbSs can mitigate geotechnical risks and promote sustainability. By aligning these approaches with regulatory frameworks and climate adaptation objectives, it underscores the potential for integrating NbSs and HbSs into comprehensive, long-term geotechnical strategies for enhancing mountain resilience. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1a1c25bae1a1451d8e19233f11887724 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2073-445X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Land |
| spelling | doaj-art-1a1c25bae1a1451d8e19233f118877242025-08-20T03:43:22ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-02-0114351210.3390/land14030512Geotechnical Aspects of N(H)bSs for Enhancing Sub-Alpine Mountain Climate ResilienceTamara Bračko0Primož Jelušič1Bojan Žlender2Faculty of Civil Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, SloveniaFaculty of Civil Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, SloveniaFaculty of Civil Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, SloveniaMountain resilience is the ability of mountain regions to endure, adapt to, and recover from environmental, climatic, and anthropogenic stressors. Due to their steep topography, extreme weather conditions, and unique biodiversity, these areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change, natural hazards, and human activities. This paper examines how nature-based solutions (NbSs) can strengthen slope stability and geotechnical resilience, with a specific focus on Slovenia’s sub-Alpine regions as a case study representative of the Alps and similar mountain landscapes worldwide. The proposed Climate-Adaptive Resilience Evaluation (CARE) concept integrates geomechanical analysis with geotechnical planning, addressing the impacts of climate change through a systematic causal chain that connects climate hazards, their effects, and resulting consequences. Key factors such as water infiltration, soil permeability, and groundwater dynamics are identified as critical elements in designing timely and effective NbSs. In scenarios where natural solutions alone may be insufficient, hybrid solutions (HbSs) that combine nature-based and conventional engineering methods are highlighted as essential for managing unstable slopes and restoring collapsed geostructures. The paper provides practical examples, including slope stability analyses and reforestation initiatives, to illustrate how to use the CARE concept and how NbSs can mitigate geotechnical risks and promote sustainability. By aligning these approaches with regulatory frameworks and climate adaptation objectives, it underscores the potential for integrating NbSs and HbSs into comprehensive, long-term geotechnical strategies for enhancing mountain resilience.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/3/512mountain resilienceclimate changenature-based solutions (NbSs)hybrid solutions (HbSs)geotechnical planningslope stability |
| spellingShingle | Tamara Bračko Primož Jelušič Bojan Žlender Geotechnical Aspects of N(H)bSs for Enhancing Sub-Alpine Mountain Climate Resilience Land mountain resilience climate change nature-based solutions (NbSs) hybrid solutions (HbSs) geotechnical planning slope stability |
| title | Geotechnical Aspects of N(H)bSs for Enhancing Sub-Alpine Mountain Climate Resilience |
| title_full | Geotechnical Aspects of N(H)bSs for Enhancing Sub-Alpine Mountain Climate Resilience |
| title_fullStr | Geotechnical Aspects of N(H)bSs for Enhancing Sub-Alpine Mountain Climate Resilience |
| title_full_unstemmed | Geotechnical Aspects of N(H)bSs for Enhancing Sub-Alpine Mountain Climate Resilience |
| title_short | Geotechnical Aspects of N(H)bSs for Enhancing Sub-Alpine Mountain Climate Resilience |
| title_sort | geotechnical aspects of n h bss for enhancing sub alpine mountain climate resilience |
| topic | mountain resilience climate change nature-based solutions (NbSs) hybrid solutions (HbSs) geotechnical planning slope stability |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/3/512 |
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