Nature-based living labs combine the elements of nature-based solution design with a living lab context to address social and environmental resilience challenges. There is a need to deepen insights on the characteristics of the emergent phenomenon of nature-based living labs, with respect to their predecessors. Accordingly, the paper first develops an outline of how living labs evolved into nature-based living labs, informed by bibliometric analysis. Second, the unique characteristics of nature-based living labs are identified using a systematic literature review. Finally, the core characteristics of living labs are determined, and nature-based living labs are placed within this context. Initial living labs had a strong technological focus, which proliferated into diverse application domains and regions after the European Network of Living Labs was established and expanded. Urban living labs emerged as a significant multidisciplinary and geographically specific domain, while nature-based living labs are inherently sustainability-oriented and consider ecosystem processes, interactions, and natural materials. Next, the paper identifies nine characteristics of nature-based living labs, five of which are always present, namely: (i) real-life spatial context and multi-scale, (ii) innovation and learning, (iii) user-centric, (iv) multi-actor involvement and (v) sustainability-oriented multiple benefits. Then, the four core characteristics of living labs, the variation within these characteristics, and how these align with the characteristics of nature-based living labs are clarified. Finally, the need for research on living labs across application domains and regions is highlighted, so that the global applicability of these local, user-centric, innovative approaches can be established.

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The combined effect of climate change, rapid industrialisation and traditional water use has created freshwater stress situations in industrial delta regions. Alternative Water Sources (AWSs) offer opportunities to mitigate the freshwater stress issue and, thus, contribute to a sustainable industrial future. This study developed a Decision Support Model (DSM) to assist the decision-makers in selecting the most feasible AWS. In the study location, Tan Thuan Export and Processing Zone (TTZ) of Ho Chi Minh City, rainwater, industrial effluent and brackish water were selected as AWS options and evaluated for technical, environmental, economic, social and institutional criteria. The stakeholder organisations representing government organisations, industrial-zone management organisations and enterprises were selected as decision-makers based on their willingness to explore AWSs. Four DSM scenarios were derived from the varying decision-making power of the selected stakeholder organisations. The results obtained from applying DSM in TTZ showed rainwater as the most feasible AWS for all the scenarios, while the rank of other AWSs fluctuated for different scenarios. To implement the result of DSM in practice, the government should not only focus on formulating clear technological guidelines on AWS quality but also on providing subsidies and creating an environment of social acceptance of AWSs. The DSM allows the decision-makers to determine the most capable AWS in mitigating freshwater stress issues and the changes required to shift towards these AWSs.@en