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Developing a nature-based coastal defence strategy for Australia

Morris, RebeccaL. / Strain, Elisabeth M. A. / Konlechner, Teresa M. / Fest, Benedikt J. / Kennedy, David M. / Arndt, Stefan K. / Swearer, Stephen E.

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 non-adaptive (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 cost-effective 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.

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Developing a nature-based coastal defence strategy for Australia

Morris, RebeccaL. / Strain, Elisabeth M. A. / Konlechner, Teresa M. / Fest, Benedikt J. / Kennedy, David M. / Arndt, Stefan K. / Swearer, Stephen E.

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 non-adaptive (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 cost-effective 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.

Developing a nature-based coastal defence strategy for Australia

Morris, RebeccaL. / Strain, Elisabeth M. A. / Konlechner, Teresa M. / Fest, Benedikt J. / Kennedy, David M. / Arndt, Stefan K. / Swearer, Stephen E.

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 non-adaptive (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 cost-effective 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.

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Title:

Developing a nature-based coastal defence strategy for Australia

Contributors:

Morris, RebeccaL. (author) / Strain, Elisabeth M. A. (author) / Konlechner, Teresa M. (author) / Fest, Benedikt J. (author) / Kennedy, David M. (author) / Arndt, Stefan K. (author) / Swearer, Stephen E. (author)

Published in:

Australian Journal of Civil Engineering ; 17 ; 167-176

Publication date:

2019-07-03

Size:

10 pages

ISSN:

1448-8353 , 2204-2245

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/14488353.2019.1661062

Type of media:

Article (Journal)

Type of material:

Electronic Resource

Language:

English

Keywords:

Coastal management , coastal protection , ecological engineering

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