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The present paper discusses how Nature-based Solutions (NBS) can be implemented in the context of hydro-meteorological risk reduction in small Mediterranean catchments with a strong tourist vocation. The work presented here is situated within the RECONECT Project (Regenerating ECOsystems with Nature-based solutions for hydro-meteorological risk rEduCTion), which aims to contribute to a European reference framework on NBS by demonstrating, upscaling, and replicating large-scale NBS in rural and natural areas. The Italian case study of RECONECT is the Portofino Natural Regional Park.

The discrepancy between the implementation of technological approaches in response to natural disasters has revealed the need to rethink the way of looking at such disasters. The paper concludes that:

1. It is now clear that new solutions need to be more in harmony with nature in order to become more sustainable and more effective in protecting societies, built environments, cultural heritage, ecosystem services, and biodiversity.
2. Challenges due to climate change, population growth, and urban expansion are placing additional pressure on natural resources that, consequently, are drastically decreasing.
3. An urban development that integrates green infrastructures or nature-based solutions into planning practices has a great potential to make urban and surrounding rural areas more resilient and adaptive to hydro-meteorological events.
4. NBS can also provide a wealth of social, environmental, and economic benefits (or co-benefits) with valid conceptual strength to address a range of challenges in a holistic manner.