From Global to Local: Implementing Nature-Based Solutions in Cultural Value Protection for Sustainable Village Development

Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) bridge ecological conservation and human well-being. As the concept gains global traction, its potential for cultural heritage preservation is drawing increasing interest. This study explores the localized application of NbSs in Chinese villages, focusing on two core questions: its compatibility with traditional Chinese construction wisdom and its practical pathways for localization. A literature review reveals strong theoretical alignment between NbS principles and indigenous building practices. This study develops a dual quantitative framework—comprising an NbS evaluation system and a cultural value assessment system—for coupling coordination analysis. Results show a strong interdependence between the integration of NbS principles and village cultural value, with traditional villages (0.7806) achieving a better balance between ecological protection and cultural heritage than non-traditional villages (0.5953), validating the alignment of global NbS principles with local building wisdom. Based on gray relational analysis, disaster risk management and local governance are identified as key NbS dimensions shaping cultural integrity and knowledge continuity. An integrated indicator system combining ecological and cultural metrics is proposed. This study confirms the alignment between global principles and local wisdom, offering an NbS localization framework with insights for heritage conservation.