Adapting to climate change through nature-based solutions and indigenous knowledge: the case for landscape-scale ecosystem regeneration in the Rokohouia Delta

This study explores the potential of nature-based solutions and indigenous knowledge in climate change adaptation. It focuses on the Rokohouia Delta located in Aotearoa, New Zealand where Ngai Tuahuriri, the Indigenous People of the region, employ strategies deeply rooted in their understanding of the interdependencies between humans and ecosystems, to improve environmental quality. The paper underscores the potential of nature-based solutions (NbS), closely aligned with indigenous ways of thinking, in mitigating hydro-meteorological risks associated with the impacts of climate change. While the study was initially focused on the role of indigenous-informed approaches to NbS on lessening climate change risks, it became apparent that NbS has important potential for cultural revitalisation and decolonisation through the regeneration of mahinga kai (wild food gathering areas), addressing long-held Ngai Tuahuriri grievances associated with the destruction of deltaic ecosystems on which it's culture depends. The findings underscore the potential of NbS in complementing conventional infrastructure (responses/decisions in mitigating hydro-meteorological risks), enhancing social cohesion, and promoting ecological consciousness. The study also concludes that indigenous knowledge can potentially play a crucial role in informing infrastructure choices that integrate nature-based solutions, and thereby facilitate both cultural revitalisation and climate change adaptation.