NEW GUIDANCE AND DECISION-SUPPORT TOOLS FOR NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS

Coastal flood risks are projected to intensify across North America – and globally - over the coming decades due to increasing population densities near the coastline and the effects of climate change (Bush and Lemmen 2019; EPA 2017; INECC 2019). Conventional coastal flood and erosion risk management systems have typically relied upon building hardened structures with artificial material (i.e., concrete, steal, etc.). These techniques have often resulted in unintended socio-economic impacts, may experience catastrophic failure, and regularly lead to the degradation or loss of natural ecosystems. With much of the existing infrastructure in North America exceeding or nearing the end of its service life, there is an opportunity to consider the role of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) in coastal protection. However, uptake and implementation of NBS are limited by numerous technical, social/ attitudinal, environmental, and institutional barriers.