Barriers to nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation in Mexico

Nature-based solutions (NbS) have an imperative role in the context of climate change, but the barriers to these solutions remains underexplored. Examining these barriers requires a multisectoral approach because of divergent socioeconomic interests such as government entities, private sector, and community groups. The research objective was to identify the primary barriers hindering NbS implementation and analyse obstacles affecting the environmental, agriculture, tourism, and health sectors. The strategic selection of agriculture and tourism is based on their significant contributions to the Mexican economy and vulnerability to climate change, while the health sector is included due to its role in preserving public health and healthcare infrastructure in the face of climate challenges. The investigation encompassed a Systematic Mapping Protocol and interviews with thirteen stakeholders representing federal governmental institutions, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and academia. Seven dominant themes and their patterns were identified, with expert insights highlighting governmental aspects, particularly the impact of political changes and legal and policy deficiencies, as the most pronounced barriers. Additionally, the experts clarified that legal restraints caused the minimal collaboration between sectors, preventing synergistic creation and the optimization of impact.