In coastal areas of arid and semi-arid regions, fog can be a vital water source that helps forests survive. Some plant species can capture fog water in amounts much greater than rainfall, making fog an important input in places like central Chile. In these areas, fog collectors can gather up to 7 liters of water per square meter per day, and forest regeneration has been linked to areas that receive more fog.

This study explores how fog harvesting can support the growth of new coastal forests in degraded areas. By using fog water to help young trees grow until they can collect fog on their own, this approach acts as a Nature-based Solution (NbS) for climate adaptation.

The research combines a fog model (AMARU) with a water management model (WEAP) for a coastal basin in Chile that includes the fog-dependent Santa Inés Forest. The model is calibrated using local measurements and accounts for how different tree types capture fog. The study evaluates how long it takes for forests to become self-sufficient and how this reforestation can enhance base flows during dry periods, supporting local water resources and ecosystem restoration.