PlaNet International research Network on Plant-based solutions to mitigate climate-induced geo-hazards.

PlaNet - International research Network on Plant-based solutions to mitigate geohazards (2023) The International research network - PlaNet is a multidisciplinary network that gathers experts in the field of nature-based solutions (NbS); solutions based on natural processes and ecosystems. The main focus of PlaNet is NbS that use vegetation for mitigating rainfall-induced geohazards, currently increasing due to climate change. The network is the first attempt to create and promote interactions between experts with different scientific backgrounds to share research on how vegetation can be used to mitigate rainfall-induced landslides and erosion, while at the same time support local ecosystems. PlaNet pools expertise from leading research organisations within geosciences, ecology, soil and plant sciences, and provides a collaborative environment for addressing these problems using sustainable, nature-based solutions. The core group of PlaNet was initially established by five leading research organizations and seven prestigious universities spanning Norway, France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Austria. Over the last three years, PlaNet has garnered significant interest and collaboration from numerous other universities and research institutions, solidifying its position as a focal point for collaborative initiatives in Europe. This was also possible thanks to a strong presence on Social Media channels, especially Linkedin and Twitter, where latest news, including new research publications, popular science articles and relevant conferences and events, have been posted frequently for informing the targeted audience, namely students in academia, start-ups, industry, research institutes and public entities. Over the last three years, PlaNet has reached more than 242 followers. One of PlaNet’s objectives was to inform the general public about NbS and plant-bases solutions as an alternative and sustainable mean for climate-related geohazards, and this was achieved thanks to the realization of a virtual tour (available on youtube) on one of the case studies where NbS were implemented, in combination with conventional geotechnical slope stabilization measures, for securing a mountain road against landslides in Tuscany, Italy. In addition, PlaNet has created synergies and a solid partnership with the European Federation of Soil and Water Bioengineering (https://efib.org/), through participation to joint publications and conferences. The network has achieved several objectives including: share research on how vegetation-based solutions can be used to mitigate climate changes; influence policy nationally, as well as internationally; foster multidisciplinary and international research-exchange and facilitate participation of industry and entrepreneurs. Since 2022, PlaNet members have consistently organized an annual session at the European Geoscience Union (EGU) focusing on Nature-based and bio-based solutions for geohazard mitigation on slopes and streambanks. This dedicated session provides a valuable platform for scientists across diverse disciplines to convene in person each year in Vienna. More than forty presentations have been submitted over the last two editions of the session. PlaNet members have been actively proposing sessions on NbS for geohazard mitigation to international conferences, such as the International Forum on Land Degradation, Soil Conservation and Sustainable Development – LASOSU, 2021, and the 6th World Landslide Forum – WLF, 2023. Among the networking activities, PlaNet participated to the 1st International Workshop on “Rooted Soils: Soil-plant-atmosphere interaction: mechanisms, processes and geotechnical engineering implications”, which was intended to become possibly a biennial appointment for scientists working on this topic. This was an occasion to share knowledge and latest research findings from a geotechnical and hydrological perspective, with a strong focus on upscaling from laboratory to real applications. Among the main conclusions of this successful event, the need for interdisciplinary work and development of standards and guidelines at European level for the design and the implementation of NbS for mitigating climate-induced landslides, were highlighted. In 2023, PlaNet has launched a Special Issue on the journal Ecological Engineering to collect latest research articles on the topic of “Nature- and bio-based solutions for ecosystem restoration, landslide hazard mitigation, and ground improvement: research and application novelties”. Finally, articles highlighting the innovation of NBS for reducing the risks of geohazards have been published in national and international professional journals. These contributions will ensure knowledge dissemination within the academic community and beyond as well as PlaNet legacy contributing to the ongoing conversation in the field.

Able to get a good connection with NINA, stronger collaboration between instutes in Norway that have background in restoration. Stronger connection iwth NIBIO, NIVA. International workshop, promising activity as biennial/triennial event Increasing knowledge (virtual tour) Achieved the goal Norway to gain more visibility, via invited lectures

The International research network - PlaNet – will establish a new interdisciplinary and international network on plant-soil-atmosphere interaction, with focus on vegetation for mitigating climate-induced geohazards. Climate change increases the occurrence of climate-induced geohazards, such as rainfall-induced shallow landslides, floods and erosion, especially along stream banks. This result in both physical damage and loss of valuable property and soil resources. The use of vegetation on instable slopes or along stream banks is one example of Nature-based Solutions that can mitigate climate-induced geohazards, due to vegetation's role at the soil-atmosphere interface. Nature-based solutions can also provide several co-benefits, such as restore natural behaviour and enhance biodiversity, and through that provide Ecosystem Services (ES). PlaNet will bridge the gap for much needed interdisciplinary research to document the effects of vegetation in hazard prone-areas in a measurable and quantifiable manner, and to quantify vegetation's collateral effects on the ecosystem. PlaNet aims to: • create the first highly multidisciplinary network for sharing research on the mechanisms whereby vegetation help mitigate climate-related geo-hazards, now increasing due to climate change. • create and promote interactions of scientists with different backgrounds, including plant ecologists, landslide hydrologists and geotechnical engineers, with a focus on rainfall-induced shallow landslides and erosion; • create a ‘Think-Tank’ to pioneer innovative lines of research on vegetation-based solutions to mitigate climate-induced hazard, and to influence policy at the national level through a close collaboration with Norwegian directorates; • foster multidisciplinary thinking between Norwegian and international experts and facilitate the participation of industry and new vegetation-based entrepreneurs for Nature-based Solutions.