Application of the SWOT-IE to improve stormwater management via a nature-based solution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

One significant challenge in stormwater management is the limited involvement of stakeholders in decision-making. As urban areas face increasing storm-related challenges, it is crucial to integrate nature-based solutions and stakeholder participation to enhance stormwater resilience. This study evaluated five solutions—green roof, grass swale, vegetation buffer zone, rain garden, and sunken green space — to determine their strategic positioning using the Internal-External matrix. An online questionnaire survey was conducted to gather expert input, ensuring a structured and judgment-based assessment. The study was performed at Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a heritage site with unique urban constraints. Results identified grass swale and rain garden as the most effective solutions, achieving the optimal strategic position in the IE matrix, making them the preferred options for future stormwater management strategies. These findings provide a replicable framework for integrating nature-based solutions in urban planning while balancing environmental, regulatory, and stakeholder considerations. © 2025