Nature‑Based Coastal Defenses in Southeast Florida: Protecting Communities with Natural Infrastructure
Nature‑Based Coastal Defenses in Southeast Florida presents case studies demonstrating how coral reefs, dunes, wetlands, and living shorelines reduce flooding and erosion. Developed by regional partners, the report highlights cost‑effective alternatives to traditional grey infrastructure that protect communities while restoring critical coastal habitats.
Subject Tags
- Nature-based solutions
- Coastal
- Climate resilience
Summary
Southeast Florida is among the most vulnerable regions in the United States to sea level rise, hurricanes, and coastal flooding. Many homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure lie at or near sea level, placing the region at high risk from storm surge and erosion. Traditional grey infrastructure such as seawalls and breakwaters is widely used but often costly, environmentally damaging, and difficult to maintain.
Nature‑Based Coastal Defenses in Southeast Florida highlights how natural and nature‑based features—including coral reefs, beaches, dunes, mangroves, wetlands, and living shorelines—can serve as effective, adaptable, and cost‑efficient coastal protection. Produced by The Nature Conservancy and the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, the report presents seven case studies from across the region that illustrate how ecosystem restoration and hybrid grey‑green approaches reduce wave energy, mitigate erosion, and enhance community resilience.
These projects demonstrate the value of investing in natural infrastructure that not only protects people and property, but also restores wildlife habitat, supports tourism and recreation, and adapts over time to rising seas and stronger storms.