As sea-levels rise and weather-related threats continue to increase, opportunities emerge for people and local governments to build “living shorelines” designed to reduce risk to communities and infrastructure from flooding and storm surge, while often providing the ecosystem benefits of habitat.

This blog breaks down “natural capital,” a concept that could revolutionize the way nature is protected.

Ministers of environment and representatives of over 45 African countries agreed to accelerate action on sustainable development including policies and practices to reverse ecosystem degradation and to sustainably manage natural capital.

New comprehensive Guidelines for Measuring and Valuing the Coastal Protection Services of Mangroves and Coral Reefs make clear that Mangroves and coral reefs provide significant coastal protection benefits. 

WAVES and a team of cross-sector researchers led by The Nature Conservancy released a new report to more effectively value nature-based solutions for reducing coastal risks. 
 

Living shorelines or natural infrastructure can help lessen storm surge and flooding while also providing habitat, water filtration and beautiful places to enjoy.