Natural Infrastructure for Water in the Guandu System, Rio de Janeiro

Forests and trees are essential to water security. They can filter sediments, nutrients and solid waste, preventing waterways pollution. The incorporation of natural infrastructure — sometimes referred to as “green infrastructure” — in water management plans can enhance the efficiency, performance and resilience of conventional structure and can rehabilitate the landscape to offer better quality water.

The Natural Infrastructure for Water in the Guandu System, Rio de Janeiro report showcases how the forest restoration can benefit the Guandu System, the main source of water supply for the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The report offers analyses that can inform the integration of natural infrastructure into the region’s water and sanitation resource management strategies.

Suzanne Ozment, Perrine Hamel, Erin Gray, Hendrik Lucchesi Mansur, Thiago Piazzetta Valente, Juliana Baladelli Ribeiro, Rafael Feltran-Barbieri and Marcelo Matsumoto