The Nature Conservancy is working on multiple fronts to help people adapt to climate change and to the impacts of natural disasters. In many ways the coastal zone represents the front line for this adaptation. Lives, livelihoods, homes and agriculture are already feeling the impacts of rising seas and changing weather patterns. In some places nature can help to protect coastlines from erosion and the ravages of storms.

This work falls within the Coastal Resilience Program at the Conservancy. This Program includes a broad array of research and action bringing together science and policy in review, support and case study efforts to enable the development of resilient coasts, where nature forms part of the solution.

Natural coastal protection is the protection of coastal lands and populations from erosion, inundation and storm impacts by natural systems.

Coastlines are among the most dynamic environments on earth. They are constantly shaped by waves, winds, tides and storms. Natural ecosystems thrive amidst this change, and indeed have developed the capacity to shape that change. Mangroves and salt marshes capture the moving sediments and help to attenuate the movements of waves. Offshore coral reefs act as breakwaters, and further create the rock and sand to build islands and beaches.

Throughout history, humans been drawn to coastal areas, running the risks of storms and inundation for the great benefits these areas provide: rich food resources, building materials and transport routes. Recent population growth has also been disproportionately represented in the coastal zone, with immigration adding to natural growth, leading to rapid expansion of coastal settlements, aquaculture and agriculture. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of coastal peoples has also risen disproportionately. Sea level rise, warming waters and changes in storm patterns are already affecting coastal dynamics. Natural ecosystems may help to counter their impacts: binding sediments, attenuating waves and growing upwards as sea levels rise.