Nature-based Solutions: Evidence and Engineering Guidance

Climate change, development in hazard-prone areas, and the loss of services provided by natural systems are increasing risks to people, infrastructure and economies. To manage these risks, we need to understand the performance of conventional and nature-based infrastructure and deploy each effectively. Nature-base solutions can be used independently or in combination with conventional infrastructure (hybrid solutions). This session will explore the evidence base of 23 nature-based solutions to address 7 hazards and provide 4 ecosystem services. The evidence indicates that nature-based solutions can be more effective than conventional infrastructure solutions, particularly for lower-intensity hazards. When mitigating high-intensity hazards, hybrid solutions can be more effective than either conventional or natural solutions on their own. Despite their potential, broader application is slowed by several constraints, one of which is engineering guidance. ASCE policy encourages updating guidance to facilitate planning, design, and implementation of nature-based infrastructure and conventional infrastructure to deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits. This session will also explore opportunities to address these gaps to scale up application. These include through a partnership between the American Society of Civil Engineers, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation to produce a manual of practice.