Nature-based solutions are sustainable planning, design, environmental management and engineering practices that weave natural features or processes into the built environment to build resilient communities and mitigate the impact of climate change. FEMA uses the term “nature-based solutions” to refer to an umbrella of strategies, including green infrastructure, bioengineering, and/or natural infrastructure. Other agencies may also use the terms “natural or nature-based features” or “engineering with nature,” which all fall under the term “nature-based solutions” in the HMA Guide.
Nature-based solutions can help reduce the loss of life and property, strengthening resilience against the nation’s most common natural hazards.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Coastal flooding and storm surge
- Extreme temperatures
- Drought
- Landslides
- Riverine flooding
- Urban flooding
- Coastal flooding and storm surge
- Extreme temperatures
- Landslides
- Wildfire
In addition, nature-based solutions can provide short- and long-term environmental, economic and social co-benefits that improve a community’s quality of life and make it attractive to new residents and businesses. A single nature-based project can yield various community benefits that fulfill many goals. Co-benefits can include improved water and air quality, healthier wildlife habitats, economic growth, cooler summer temperatures and shade cover, recreational space, and other benefits that support community well-being. FEMA’s HMA programs support incorporating nature-based solutions into all eligible projects. Nature-based solutions may be categorized by different scales, types, and locations, which are discussed in more detail below. Projects using nature-based solutions will need to meet all HMA eligibility criteria (as described in Part 4), including providing risk reduction benefits, demonstrating cost-effectiveness, and meeting environmental and historic preservation (EHP) and floodplain management requirements.