Translating Innovation into
Practical Implementation
NbS Future delivers expert services focused on the strategic elements of nature-based solutions—from initial concept development and technology assessment to customised training programmes and practical implementation guidance. Backed by two decades of academic research and industry-recognised publications in water treatment technologies, NbS Future provides evidence-based, objective analysis to ensure optimal technology selection for each unique context. The portfolio includes assessment against the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions, validating alignment with established NbS principles.
"A water sector where nature-based solutions are implemented with confidence, backed by robust evidence and technical excellence."
NbS Future bridges the gap between innovation and practical implementation, ensuring NbS technologies reach their full potential in addressing today's water management challenges. Through collaborative partnerships, knowledge transfer, and hands-on guidance, NbS Future is committed to accelerating the adoption of effective, sustainable solutions that benefit both communities and ecosystems.
Services
Evidence-Based Technology Assessment
Transform complex research into actionable insights. As lead author of industry guidance on treatment wetlands and biological treatment technology, I provide comprehensive assessments that inform decisions for water utilities, regulators, practitioners, and researchers. My scientific background, enthusiasm and integrity translate into balanced reports where NbS are always assessed considering the wider context.
Bespoke Training Programs
Custom training solutions designed for your organisation's specific needs. From intensive bootcamps to targeted workshops and online learning, I develop and deliver engaging learning experiences that build capacity and technical knowledge in NbS implementation, operation, and maintenance. Drawing on experience creating and delivering Cranfield University's successful "NbS for the Water and Land Management" online course (over 60 delegates annually between 2020 and 2024) and specialised masterclasses for industry professionals, I create programs that integrate the latest scientific knowledge into practical, applicable knowledge.
Technical Innovation Support
Expert support for integrating nature-based solutions with conventional systems. Drawing on experience pioneering the UK's first French Wetland implementation and supporting the implementation and validation of aerated wetlands for sewage treatment, I help organisations navigate the technical challenges of implementing cutting-edge NbS. My experience guiding projects from laboratory testing through pilot demonstration to full-scale implementation ensures a smooth transition from concept to operational reality.
Practical Implementation Guidance
Translate scientific concepts into practical application. I specialise in creating accessible guidance materials for practitioners across experience levels, from comprehensive O&M manuals to troubleshooting guides for existing NbS systems.
IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions
Increase the impact of your NbS scheme by showing how well it maps against the Global Standard. As a certified professional by the IUCN, I can assist teams in assessing their NbS projects against the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions. The IUCN coined the term “NbS” twenty years ago and, through collaboration with international experts, developed a rigorous standard to inform the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions against the ethos of what any NbS should strive to achieve.
Example Outputs
"Treatment Wetlands as Biological Treatment Technology" (2025) - Lead author of a CWA report to inform wetland investment decisions in the UK."Treatment Wetlands" (2017) - Lead author, IWA Publishing Open Access Book covering design, operation and maintenance of wetland systems."Wetland Technology: Practical Information on the Design and Application of Treatment Wetlands" (2020) – Editor and co-author of multiple chapters, IWA Publishing Open Access Scientific and Technical Report."Phosphorus removal in surface flow treatment wetlands for domestic wastewater treatment: Global experiences, opportunities, and challenges" (2024) - Open-access paper, written in collaboration with leading wetland experts, analysing raw datasets to inform wetland application for sewage treatment."A wholelife cost and carbon perspective of alternatives to septic tanks utilising nature-based solutions"(2023) - Open-access paper assessing benefits and limtiations of flowsheets to upgrade septic tanks. It included a septic tank with drain field (baseline scenario), a conventional grey upgrade (submerged aerated filters), and two nature-based flowsheets: one with vertical flow wetlands (passive aeration) and one with aerated wetlands (forced aeration).
About
Dr. Gabriela Dotro is a Nature-based Solutions specialist currently leading strategic consulting projects for UK water utilities and regulators and serving as Chair of the Constructed Wetland Association. She has a strong international and national network of dedicated NbS professionals to collaborate on bespoke projects. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, recognising her commitment to quality training. Previously a Principal Research Fellow in Ecological Engineering at Cranfield University, she secured approximately £7M in research funding and successfully managed over 50 diverse projects. Her international expertise is reflected in publications translated into multiple languages and implementation of NbS technologies across various countries.
Get in Touch
Ready to explore how nature-based solutions can address your water management challenges?Contact me to discuss your specific needs: