Performance of natural infrastructure and nature-based measures as coastal risk reduction features

This report represents the review of the state of knowledge on the performance of natural and nature-based infrastructure as compiled from existing literature and participant input obtained during an expert workshop. It provides an accessible summary of the most current state of understanding of the risk reduction performance of natural infrastructure.

The report confirms that there is sufficient confidence in the ability of natural infrastructure and nature-based measures to reduce impacts of coastal storms and sea level rise to coastal communities such that these approaches should be routinely considered as viable options by decision-makers. It also highlights the need to expand knowledge of the circumstances where these measures work best, to document whether they performed as expected, to learn how traditional structural, non-structural and natural infrastructure and nature-based measures can optimally work together and to understand how coastal processes are effected.