A comprehensive design framework for nature-based solutions projects focused on carbon dioxide removal: A systematic literature review of approaches, models and tools

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772411526000339

Authors: Combe Mathieu, Briard Tristan, Harambat Fabien, Segonds Frédéric, Jean Camille

17 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbsj.2026.100333

Highlights

•This SLR highlights limited use of systemic approaches in NbS design.

•A comprehensive framework for designing NbS for CDR is proposed.

•Approaches, models and tools used in the literature are mapped across all design steps.

•The design steps are structured by complexity and system dimensions.

•Greater focus is needed on exploring synergies and optimization in NbS.

Abstract

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) has emerged as a crucial strategy for industries and nations worldwide to achieve carbon neutrality in the coming decades. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as mangrove restoration, wetland conservation or agroforestry systems present a promising approach to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and societal challenges, including carbon capture and storage. Yet, NbS standards offer useful project management guidance, but they often lack the detail needed for their design phase. Key questions such as site selection, species choice, implementation methods, and maintenance remain largely unanswered. This results in significant gaps in the practical design of NbS for CDR. The aim of this study was thus to identify NbS design methodologies alongside their associated approaches, models, and tools. Two successive literature reviews were conducted. First, a review of existing NbS design methodologies was conducted to identify the key steps of a NbS design framework namely definition, assessment, optimisation, and implementation as well as the different dimensions involved. Then, a systematic literature review analysed 118 articles to further detail the framework, identifying sub steps and associating specific approaches, models, and tools within each step. These include sub steps such as assessing carbon stocks, evaluating ecosystem services, modelling carbon dynamics over time, identifying synergies and trade-offs, conducting hotspot analysis while also specifying means used to conduct them. These insights are also classified into a three‑tier, analytical framework that organizes steps and methods by increasing complexity and resource requirements. Lastly, this review highlights a few key insights in designing NbS focused on CDR for practitioners: the extensive use of models, the emerging role of machine learning and the need for a more systematic and resilient design approach.

Source: ScienceDirect