{"id":16088,"date":"2025-07-23T13:42:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T17:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/?p=16088"},"modified":"2025-12-04T13:20:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T18:20:42","slug":"nature-based-solutions-are-essential-to-advancing-climate-resilience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/2025\/07\/23\/nature-based-solutions-are-essential-to-advancing-climate-resilience\/","title":{"rendered":"Nature-based solutions are essential to advancing climate resilience"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>By: Eve Cooke, Fellow, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Over the past four years, Florida has been battered by severe storms, tropical cyclones and record-breaking floods. From unnamed downpours to devastating hurricanes like Ian, Helene and Milton, these events have caused more than $100 billion in damage\u2014disrupting families, businesses and ecosystems alike.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In a recent EDF survey, a range of experts across sectors in Florida stood united on one thing: nature-based solutions are key to protecting people and property from extreme weather and believe there is a clear path forward to incorporating these solutions into building resilience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is a nature-based solution?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unepfi.org\/nature\/nature\/nature-based-solutions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, a nature-based solution <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">describes actions that<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">protect, sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nature-based solutions include repairing and protecting mangroves and wetlands to manage flooding or utilizing rain gardens to reduce stormwater runoff, among others. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When implemented successfully, nature-based solutions provide a range of benefits like reducing disaster impacts and recovery costs, improving community well-being, supporting outdoor recreation and more.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This means <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Florida\u2019s coastal wetlands, floodplains, mangroves, coral reefs and urban tree<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">canopies offer more than beauty\u2014they are also our first line of defense against natural disasters and extreme weather. But to fully harness their potential, we need to break down the barriers that are holding back implementing nature-based solutions. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What the experts are saying<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ninety practitioners participated in EDF\u2019s survey on nature-based solutions and come from a range of backgrounds like government, engineering, nonprofit organizations, water management, research and more. Together, their feedback offered a clear pathway forward to prioritizing nature-based solutions across Florida and beyond. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Here are the top six recommendations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos,Arial\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Develop straightforward permitting: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Updating state and federal processes, especially for low-impact nature-based solution projects, would speed up approvals and bring benefits to communities faster.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos,Arial\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create design guidelines: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Developing a menu with proven nature-based solution designs tailored for Florida would simplify permitting and provide practical options for engineers.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos,Arial\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Expand workforce development: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Expanding training programs in design,<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">construction and maintenance would ensure Florida<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">has the workforce to implement these solutions at<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">scale.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos,Arial\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Boost funding: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Increasing financial support for nature-based solutions would help address the upfront costs of land and materials.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos,Arial\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Showcase the value: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Accessible tools to quantify and communicate the economic, social and ecological benefits of a nature-based solution would help prioritize projects that offer the best return on investment and long-term outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos,Arial\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Raise public awareness:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Educating communities and officials about the many benefits of nature-based solutions would build critical support for these approaches.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16090\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16090\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/52\/files\/\/the-tampa-bay-estuary-program-KUU87l4KSoE-unsplash-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16090\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/52\/files\/\/the-tampa-bay-estuary-program-KUU87l4KSoE-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/52\/files\/the-tampa-bay-estuary-program-KUU87l4KSoE-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/52\/files\/the-tampa-bay-estuary-program-KUU87l4KSoE-unsplash-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/52\/files\/the-tampa-bay-estuary-program-KUU87l4KSoE-unsplash-1024x522.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/52\/files\/the-tampa-bay-estuary-program-KUU87l4KSoE-unsplash-768x391.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/52\/files\/the-tampa-bay-estuary-program-KUU87l4KSoE-unsplash-1536x783.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/52\/files\/the-tampa-bay-estuary-program-KUU87l4KSoE-unsplash-2048x1043.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16090\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by The Tampa Bay Estuary Program<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As Florida rebuilds from past disasters and prepares for those to come, we have a choice: invest in outdated, hard infrastructure alone\u2014or embrace the proven solutions that work with nature, not against it. The good news? Florida\u2019s diverse range of experts already agree on the next steps. Now it\u2019s up to decision-makers, funders and advocates to help put these recommendations into action.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>For related program inquiries, please contact: <a href=\"mailto:rrhode@edf.org\">rrhode@edf.org.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>For related media inquiries, please contact:<a href=\"mailto:jtolep@edf.org\"> jtolep@edf.org. <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a recent EDF survey, a range of experts across sectors in Florida stood united on one thing: nature-based solutions are key to protecting people and property from extreme weather and believe there is a clear path forward to incorporating these solutions into building resilience.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40200,"featured_media":16089,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[107017],"tags":[107027,120499,85132,120497],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-16088","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-coasts-watersheds","tag-climate-resilience","tag-flood-resilience","tag-natural-infrastructure","tag-nature-based-solutions"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16088","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40200"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16088"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16088\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16253,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16088\/revisions\/16253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16089"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16088"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16088"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16088"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/growingreturns\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=16088"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}