Building community resilience with Nature-Based solutions

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently introduced nature-based solutions as part of a risk-management strategy for natural hazards.

Nature-based solutions are sustainable planning, design, environmental management and engineering practices that weave natural features or processes into the built environment to promote adaptation and resilience.

Such solutions enlist natural features and processes in efforts to combat climate change, reduce flood risks, improve water quality, protect coastal property, restore and protect wetlands, stabilize shorelines, reduce urban heat, add recreational space, and more.

While FEMA uses the term “nature-based solutions,” other organizations use related terms, such as green infrastructure, natural infrastructure, natural and nature-based features, or Engineering with Nature, a program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

FEMA recently presented different types of nature-based features, planning resources, funding options, and case studies of successful projects. Explore the list of shared resources including, FEMA’s guide for local communities, Building Community Resilience with Nature-Based Solutions.