Coastal NFM measures typically are used to increase the natural resilience of the shoreline and improve flood and erosion protection. They do this by improving the volume, altitude and health of natural buffers, thus helping absorb wave and tidal energy. Measures can be applied to coastal or intertidal areas, or sometimes both. Sand dunes, for example, can be restored to improve the stability of the dune and increase its ability to dissipate wave energy and protect landward areas. Dissipation of wave and tidal energy can also be improved by replacing sediment eroded from beaches or restoring intertidal habitats such as saltmarsh and mudflats.
The coastal re-alignment at Nigg Bay was completed in 2003. It was the first project of this type to be completed in Scotland. The RSPB has been involved with the management of the site since the 1990’s and in 1997 they approached landowners hoping to purchase areas of intertidal flat. The Meddat field site, which became the coastal realignment site, was suggested as the seawall was becoming badly eroded and un-economic to repair.
The Environment Agency for England and Wales recently published various outputs from the Working with Natural Processes (WWNP) project. The project looked at mechanisms to reduce flood hazards by using natural techniques in catchments and coasts. The project is underpinned by an extensive literature review which collated all known available knowledge within the UK and also drew upon relevant international literature. This literature has been synthesized into one location allowing it to be accessible to flood risk planners and other interested bodies.
The UN 2018 World Water Development Report (WWDR), Nature Based Solutions for water was launched via a presentation at the 8th World Water Forum in Brazil on 19th March 2018.