Climate-resilient Mediterranean green infrastructure: ecosystem services of dry stone walls as NbS solutions

The paper proposes an interpretation of drystone walls as multifunctional Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and strategic components of Climate-Resilient Green Infrastructure in Mediterranean biocultural landscapes. Traditionally regarded as part of the rural heritage, they are re-examined through an integrated technological-performance framework that assesses their contribution to climate adaptation, the mitigation of natural risks and ecosystem services. The research, carried out by the Carbon Neutral Built Environment (CNBe) Research Group, proposes an interdisciplinary model based on the hypothesis that dry stone walls act as adaptive climate buffers, enhancing territorial resilience through hydrological regulation, slope stabilisation, microclimatic improvement, biodiversity conservation and support for agricultural productivity. This paper focuses on productive terraces, which are defined as complex systems in which green infrastructure, ecosystem services and sustainable agricultural practices contribute to the creation of resilient, low-carbon landscapes. The methodology integrates multi-level Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, microclimatic modelling, ecosystem service assessment, Life Cycle Assessment and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, developing quantitative indicators to measure the environmental, technological, economic and social performance of dry-stone wall systems. The research utilises Mediterranean case studies to formulate a design framework for planning, conserving and maintaining dry stone walls as resilient green infrastructure. This framework is transferable to rural, urban and peri-urban contexts and is consistent with European policies on Nature Restoration (NR), Climate Adaptation (CA) and Carbon Neutrality (CN).