Developing a nature-based coastal defence strategy for Australia

Abstract

Australia's rapid coastal population growth coupled with the increased risk of hazards driven by climate change creates an urgent need to start adaptation planning for the future. The most common solutions for protecting the coast (seawalls, breakwaters) are expensive and nonadaptive (i.e., they need to be rebuilt, upgraded and maintained in response to a changing climate). There is international precedence for the development of nature-based solutions (i.e., the integration of natural habitats such as coastal vegetation and biogenic reefs) as a costeffective and sustainable approach to shoreline protection from erosion and flooding. The development of nature-based approaches has been supported by large interdisciplinary teams to inform policy and decision-making. Nature-based coastal defence is currently not a tool widely used in Australia. Key to their wider implementation is: (1) improved scientific knowledge; (2) effective governance; and (3) social acceptance. Recently implemented pilot trials need to inform industry-accredited guidelines that can be integrated into coastal management and government policy.

Effects of permeable barriers on total ecosystem carbon stocks of mangrove forests and abandoned ponds in Demak District, Central Java, Indonesia

“…Recent studies have shown that mangrove structures and soil physicochemical properties influence C storage in ecosystems (Kauffman et al 2020;Sasmito et al 2020). However, field data that could provide information on the effects of permeable barriers on TECS is currently still limited (Morris et al 2019).…”

Effective Coastal Adaptation Needs Accurate Hazard Assessment : A Case Study In Port Resolution, Tanna Island Vanuatu

“…The stabilisation of the cliff could include woody vegetation on the top using their deep roots to reduce soil erosion and landslide risk or changing the slope geometry. Several projects over the world show effective nature-based coastal defence strategies (Morris et al, 2019). In Bumseng and Kaoh (2018), the use of natural vegetation was shown to successfully prevent erosion by slowly stopping the soil from being washed away by rains into the sea.…”

“…NbS using vegetation can easily adapt to other climate change drivers, including sea level and wave storminess (Duarte et al, 2013). NbS may be a cost-effective alternative to arti cial structures, with lower maintenance costs than arti cial structures that need to be re-built when damaged (Morris et al, 2019). Indeed, relocation of the school buildings and a realignment of the current unsealed road are technically feasible but not without considerable costs.…”

Guidelines for geoconservation in protected and conserved areas

“…This enables possible wider adverse effects to be considered, areas of conflict to be identified and resolved, and more integrated management progressed through shoreline management plans. While hard protection is likely to continue to be needed to secure essential infrastructure, more natural solutions are being increasingly discussed and deployed elsewhere, both on environmental and cost grounds (Spalding et al, 2014;Cohen-Shacham et al, 2016;Williams et al, 2018;Morris et al, 2019); (see also Section 5, and the IUCN/WCPA Natural Solutions website). A good example of climate change mitigation and adaptation in mangrove swamps is Case Study 1.1 in Gross et al (2016).…”