Description

1) A new framework for flood adaptation: Introducing the Flood Adaptation Hierarchy
Stevie Adams, CFM, The Nature Conservancy sadams@tnc.org
Co-presenters: Alison Branco; Andrew Peck

Abstract: Traditional flood risk paradigms and associated strategies are no longer sufficient to address global flood adaptation challenges due to climate change and continued development in floodplains. The current flood adaptation approach is failing to take advantage of the benefits provided by intact ecosystems and perpetuates social and economic inequities, leaving those who are most vulnerable at highest risk. Rooted in the experiences of the United States, we propose a new framework, the Flood Adaptation Hierarchy, which prioritizes outcomes into six tiers. Overall, the tiers distinguish between nature and nature-based solutions, with preference given to natural ecosystems. The most important outcome in our hierarchy is to avoid risk by protecting and restoring natural floodplains; next, eliminate risk by moving communities away from danger; and then to accommodate water with passive measures and active risk reduction measures. We include, but de-prioritize, a defense of community assets using nature-based engineering and hardened engineering. Throughout the hierarchy, we provide guidance on the equity considerations of flood adaptation decision-making and highlight “impacts,” “resources,” and “voices” as important equity dimensions. Implementing the framework through an iterative process, using justification criteria to manage movement among tiers, alongside equity considerations, will support adaptation to changing environmental and social conditions and contribute to risk reduction at scale. Though this approach is focused on U.S. flood management and adaptation, prioritizing risk reduction, elimination of risk, and accommodation of hazards over the defense against threats not only has global applicability to flood adaptation, but should also be evaluated for applicability to other climate-driven challenges.

2) Implementing Nature-Based Solutions in Flood-Prone Communities
Arsum Pathak, PhD, National Wildlife Federation, PathakA@nwf.org
Co-presenters: Emily Donahoe, donahoee@nwf.org

Abstract: This session offers an approachable starting point for floodplain managers to understand and implement effective nature-based approaches for flood management and climate adaptation in their communities. National Wildlife Federation, through partnership with EcoAdapt, developed a guide to support the integration of nature-based solutions into the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit “Steps to Resilience” framework. The five-step adaptation planning framework provides practitioners with the fundamentals of nature-based solutions and how to design and carry out these approaches in an equitable manner that meets the unique needs and goals of their community. The guide identifies seven “key considerations” for incorporating nature-based solutions into community adaptation planning that includes recognizing natural systems and processes as critical infrastructure, considering climate impacts on priority natural assets, considering equity implications in the design and application of nature-based solutions, among others. The guide also offers advice on how to integrate nature-based solutions into each phase of the “Steps to Resilience” community planning process. Additionally, the guide summarizes approaches for overcoming barriers to the adoption of nature-based solutions and highlights funding and financing mechanisms that can help communities implement nature-based approaches. This concurrent session will explore the key considerations for use of nature-based solutions in detail and walk through applying these considerations at each step of the community adaptation planning with attendees. Floodplain managers and other practitioners will benefit by learning how to embed different considerations of nature-based approaches at various steps of adaptation planning. Ultimately, this concurrent session will equip attendees to identify and select appropriate nature-based options based on their community’s specific needs, goals, resources, and hazard concerns. To learn more about the role of Nature-based Solutions in the Steps to Resilience Framework, please visit the following report, “Incorporating Nature-based Solutions into Community Climate Adaptation Planning”: https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Reports...

3) Restoring the Barataria Land Bridge: A Programmatic Approach to Large-Scale Marsh Creation
Nicholas Cox, Moffatt & Nichol, ncox@moffattnichol.com
Co-presenters: none

Abstract: The Barataria Basin has experienced some of the highest wetland loss rates in Louisiana. Since 2010, five successful marsh creation projects totaling 2,800 acres have been implemented using a permitted pipeline corridor and renewable Mississippi River borrow areas. The latest project is the Large-Scale Barataria Marsh Creation: Upper Barataria Component (BA-207) Project which started construction in 2021 and is restoring 1,200 acres of intermediate and brackish marsh habitat, extending and complementing approximately 1,600 acres of marsh previously restored. The success of the Barataria Landbridge restoration is the result of collaboration between local, state, and federal project partners working together to implement a long term strategic approach to planning, design and permitting of the pipeline conveyance corridor and renewable borrow areas for use in a series of projects over the last decade. The now proven approach maximizes restoration funding and provides a model for efficient implementation of large-scale, regional, and landscape level restoration projects. The Barataria Landbridge case is a great example for other coastal regions, and can be applied not only to marsh creation, but also beach nourishment and beneficial use of dredged material efforts. Expansion of available permitted borrow sites in the Mississippi River, will further expedite this programmatic approach, given the long-lead time in getting such borrow sites permitted. This presentation will provide insight into how successful large-scale coastal restoration can be completed to better create resilient shorelines in the face of climate change.