Improved Use and Understanding of NNBF in the Mid-Atlantic

A guide to actionable solutions for implementing natural and nature-based features

Coastal communities are on the front line of global climate change, and the Mid-Atlantic region is particularly vulnerable due to high rates of sea-level rise and increasingly severe storms. Nature plays a valuable role in protecting our coastlines and coastal communities from these and other climate-related impacts. Natural and nature-based features—known as NNBF—can be as or more effective than traditional hard infrastructure at reducing risks from erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise. Improved Use and Understanding of NNBF in the Mid-Atlantic offers an actionable guide to increasing use of natural and nature-based solutions in this region.

This report was developed by the National Wildlife Federation with support from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) under an award from the U.S. Department of Interior. Created using input from a variety of stakeholders from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, the report reveals challenges and provides solutions to improve implementation of natural and nature-based features. Key concepts addressed in the report include: building the case for NNBF; site assessment; project design; project permitting; and performance monitoring.