Reference alternative

The reference alternative is the scenario in which the NbS will not be implemented at the case study site or in any of the suitable areas. In this scenario, the flooded forests will continue to deteriorate due to further encroachment, changes in flooding patterns, climate change, and contamination of the flooded forests with solid waste and agricultural chemicals. The reference alternative assumes that no incremental costs are required to sustain the current systems, yet it is acknowledged that over time fish catch would decline due to loss of habitat for fish.