Enhancing Coastal Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions

Abstract

Coastal areas around the UK are increasingly threatened by climate change induced hazards such as flooding and erosion. As our planet continues to warm, the frequency and intensity of these adverse events is expected to rise. Hence, there is a heightened requirement for coastal management strategies aimed at increasing the capability of UK coasts to adapt to these hazards, thereby enhancing resilience to climate change. Nature-based solutions (NbS), such as salt marshes, sand dunes, sea grass and oyster reefs, offer inherently adaptable, cost-effective and environmentally beneficial alternatives to traditional fixed engineered coastal defences. However, location-specific challenges such as funding constraints and social acceptance barriers can hinder their implementation. This article focuses on England’s coastal management strategy. It provides an overview of relevant NbS, including their strengths and weaknesses, and it highlights opportunities and challenges associated with integrating NbS into flooding and erosion risk mitigation plans. Suggestions to address these challenges include re-evaluation of funding frameworks to account for core aspects of NbS, fostering of collaborative partnerships across sectors, and early involvement of local communities in the decision-making process.