How does coastal NBI help the environment?
NBI can be used to protect coastlines and can take many forms, such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, sand dunes, sea grass, salt marshes, and nature-based seawalls.
Erosion, a key challenge for coastal areas, can be combatted by restoring mangrove swamps, dunes and reefs which help to absorb the energy of waves and anchor sediment. They also act as natural buffers to reduce the impact of storm surges and high tide, protecting communities and wildlife from flooding.
Coastal NBI plays a vital role in biodiversity protection. For example, many fish species depend on their nurseries in coastal wetlands, and birds take refuge in such environments while migrating. Through protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, we provide critical habitats for diverse marine life.
Mangrove swamps, salt marshes and seagrass beds are also crucial carbon sinks, sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change. They also improve water quality, by filtering pollutants and reducing the impact of runoff from agriculture and urban centres.
What benefits does coastal NBI provide for society?
Coastal NBI offers significant social benefits, particularly for public health. Better quality water reduces the risk of waterborne diseases from recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking, as well as a better environment to encourage these activities.
Additionally, restored coastlines can act as living laboratories, providing opportunities for environmental education and raising awareness on their importance as an ecosystem. This promotes stewardship and fosters a deeper connection between communities and the natural environment.
What are the economic benefits of coastal NBI?
Protected coastlines offer substantial cost savings for communities, businesses, and cities through their infrastructure services, reducing the need for costly grey infrastructure like sea walls and dredging. They mitigate the impacts of floods, thus protecting communities from damages and reducing economic losses.
In terms of industry, over 3 billion people around the world rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. Wetlands and reefs serve as nurseries for many commercial fish species and are therefore vital in supporting sustainable fisheries.
Tourists are attracted to restored wetlands, reefs, and dunes to take part in outdoor activities, driving eco-tourism and generating income. This, in turn, helps fund conservation efforts. Restoration projects can also create jobs in conservation, restoration, and maintenance, creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
Coastal NBI offers essential environmental protection for climate adaptation, biodiversity protection and contributes to the socioeconomic wellbeing of communities. Here are some coastal NBI case studies that quantify the costs and benefits of these factors.
