A hybrid methodological approach for assessing nature-based solutions within urban coastal resilience planning in the Nile Delta

Abstract Integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into coastal areas for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) within coastal development plans poses a global challenge for planners and policymakers. These solutions provide clear co-benefits for climate adaptation and sustainability, yet their alignment with development needs remains unclear. This paper addresses this gap by creating a structured framework to incorporate NbS into coastal development strategies, focusing on the coastal zone of Egypt’s Nile Delta Region (NDR). A hybrid three-step methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches: (1) SWOT analysis to prioritize adaptation options, (2) criteria mapping through literature review and semi-structured interviews with 32 coastal governance experts, and (3) Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to 25 key criteria for NbS assessment. When applied to the NDR, results illustrate how customized NbS strategies, such as artificial sand dunes, mitigate flood risks while aligning with coastal urban development plans. The paper provides a foundation for long-term planning by offering a structured tool for policymakers to align climate adaptation with sustainable urban growth, particularly in vulnerable deltaic regions facing increasing climate threats.