Reviewers Guide

Our Commitment

The Journal of Nature-Based Solutions and Innovations (JNSI) follows the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines for peer review. We appreciate your contribution to maintaining research quality and integrity.

Review Process

              ·       Model: Single-blind peer review (reviewers remain anonymous unless they choose to sign their reports)

              ·       Timeline: Complete reviews within 3-4 weeks. Notify the editor immediately if you cannot meet this deadline.

              ·       Expertise: Only accept if you have sufficient expertise and time to provide a thorough, constructive review.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts are strictly confidential. You must:

  • Not share or discuss manuscripts with anyone
  • Delete all copies after completing your review
  • Not use manuscript information for personal benefit

Conflicts of Interest

Disclose any potential conflicts when accepting invitations.

Using AI Tools

  • Do not upload manuscripts to AI platforms (violates confidentiality)
  • Limited AI use for grammar checking is permitted
  • You remain fully responsible for all review content
  • Declare any AI tool usage to the editor

Evaluation Criteria

Assess manuscripts on:

Relevance & Significance

  • Fit with JNSI scope (nature-based solutions, South-South innovations, emerging technologies)
  • Originality and contribution to the field
  • Practical implications for research and practice

Scientific Quality

·       Appropriate methodology and research design

·       Sound data analysis and interpretation

·       Clear, reproducible methods

Presentation

·       Clear structure and writing

·       Proper citations and literature review

·       Effective use of figures and tables

Ethics

·       Proper ethical approvals where required

·       No plagiarism or duplicate publication

Writing Your Review

Provide:

·       Brief summary of the manuscript's main contribution

·       Major strengths

·       Major concerns with specific evidence

·       Minor suggestions for improvement

·       Recommendation aligned with your comments

Be:

·       Objective and constructive

·       Specific with actionable feedback

·       Professional and respectful

·       Focused on the work, not the authors

Use confidential comments to the editor for:

·       Suspected misconduct (plagiarism, data fabrication)

·       Ethical concerns

·       Sensitive issues not appropriate for authors

Recommendations

·       Accept – Ready with minor editorial changes only

·       Minor Revisions – Small improvements needed

·       Major Revisions – Substantial changes required; re-review needed

·       Reject – Fundamental flaws or outside journal scope

Ethical Responsibilities

Do:

·       Report suspected misconduct to the editor

·       Maintain objectivity and fairness

·       Provide reviews in a timely manner

Don't:

·       Use ideas from manuscripts for your own research

·       Delay reviews for competitive advantage

·       Request unnecessary citations to your work

Recognition

We value your contribution:

·       Annual acknowledgment in the journal

·       Reviewer certificates upon request

Questions?

Contact the editorial office at jnsi@uwse.edu.gh