Why guidance and standards are key to safely scaling nature-positive solutions

Climate change presents unprecedented challenges to coastal infrastructure and communities worldwide. As sea levels rise and extreme weather events intensify, traditional "grey" infrastructure solutions are being reevaluated in favour of more sustainable approaches. Nature-positive Engineering (NPE), incorporating nature-based and nature-inclusive design solutions, has emerged as a critical approach for coastal protection and climate adaptation. This approach recognises coastal ecosystems as integral components of defence infrastructure rather than obstacles to be overcome. By integrating natural systems with engineered solutions, NPE delivers multiple benefits: enhanced coastal protection, improved ecological outcomes, and reduced carbon impact compared to conventional infrastructure.

The foundation of safe and successful Nature-positive Engineering lies in understanding the existing ecosystem. Before any intervention, engineers must conduct comprehensive baseline assessments to map out natural processes, interactions, and functions. This deep understanding ensures that engineered solutions enhance rather than disrupt nature's existing protective mechanisms. The engineer's role in Nature-positive Engineering is to enhance nature's inherent protective capabilities while ensuring consistent, measurable performance - delivering protection that stakeholders can trust and ecosystems can thrive within.

When introducing engineered elements, the goal is to amplify and support natural processes. Think of it as strategic enhancement rather than replacement - each addition should demonstrably improve the system's overall performance while preserving its fundamental ecological functions. This careful balance determines not just the type of intervention needed, but also its appropriate scale.

Scaling up Nature-positive Engineering requires robust evidence of effectiveness. Pilot projects serve as crucial testing grounds where engineers can evaluate performance, document outcomes, and refine approaches. Through systematic monitoring and assessment, these pilots generate valuable data that shapes design standards and ensures both ecosystem health and community protection. The monitoring framework extends beyond initial implementation, tracking long-term ecosystem service delivery and system functionality.

Multidisciplinary teams are the foundation to the successful implementation of nature-based solutions and green grey infrastructure. Their broad expertise in the natural and engineered systems, risk assessment, and safety standards helps overcome implementation barriers by reassuring sceptical stakeholders. Together, there is a joint responsibility in ensuring that nature-positive solutions meet the same rigorous safety standards as conventional approaches, and maximise both protective and environmental benefits. 

In the Netherlands, Royal HaskoningDHV worked with Rijkswaterstaat (the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) to reinforce the Houtrib dyke. To improve the natural value of the area, the dyke was reinforced with sand, and mud released during sand extraction was used to construct a nature reserve that supports mussels, snails, insects and fish. The sand extraction pit also functions as a mud trap, improving water quality across the lake. As our climate continues to change, it’s imperative that we find ways to protect the environments we live in, the ecosystems we depend on, and the habitats that support us. At Royal HaskoningDHV, we’ve been using the power of nature to make the world safer and more sustainable for years.

As one of the countries most threatened by sea-level rise, Guyana's innovative approach to combining natural and engineered solutions has created a replicable model for coastal protection worldwide.

Working in partnership with Deltares and Conservation International, Guyana developed comprehensive engineering guidelines that revolutionise how we think about coastal defense. At the heart of their approach is the integration of mangrove and salt marsh ecosystems along the kilometers of concrete dykes, which form the country’s primary coastal defense, thereby creating a robust dual defense system that maximises the strengths of both natural and built infrastructure.

The success of Guyana's approach lies in its rigorous methodology. The design process began with extensive data collection, analyzing everything from sediment dynamics and mudbank migration to wave dynamics and mangrove growth indicators. This scientific foundation informed the strategic placement of innovative structures such as sediment trapping units and permeable groynes – engineered elements specifically designed to support mangrove growth while reducing wave energy.

What sets this project apart is its emphasis on local context and community involvement. The guidelines weren't developed in isolation; they emerged from active collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and technical experts. This inclusive approach ensured that the solutions addressed both ecological needs and community priorities.

Perhaps most importantly, the project established comprehensive monitoring protocols that enable continuous improvement. By carefully tracking performance metrics over time, engineers can refine their approaches and adapt strategies as needed. This commitment to ongoing assessment and adaptation has transformed the guidelines from a static document into a living framework that evolves with new insights and changing conditions.

The Guyana model demonstrates that successful coastal protection isn't just about building stronger walls – it's about creating integrated systems that work with natural processes rather than against them. The results have provided a valuable blueprint for other coastal regions facing similar challenges, proving that Nature-positive Engineering can deliver both immediate protection and long-term environmental benefits.

The application of Nature-positive engineering approaches represents a crucial advancement in coastal protection strategies. By combining engineering expertise with natural systems, NPE offers a pathway to more resilient, sustainable coastal infrastructure. As climate challenges intensify, the continued development and refinement of NPE approaches will be crucial for protecting vulnerable coastal communities while preserving essential ecosystems.

The success of initiatives like Guyana's green-grey infrastructure program demonstrates the viability of NPE approaches when properly implemented. As we move forward, continued investment in research, monitoring, and guideline development on our application sectors will be essential for scaling these solutions effectively. The future of coastal protection lies in our ability to work with nature, rather than against it, creating solutions that benefit both communities and ecosystems for generations to come.