On 17th May 2023, Dr. Deborah Villaroel-Lamb gave an online presentation to the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston, Jamaica, titled “Nature and the Coastal Engineer”. which succinctly explained the critical issues and opportunities regarding the implementation and practice of coastal NbSs from the perspective of engineers. Some key gaps and challenges identified in her presentation were:

  • Scientific knowledge regarding the protection performance of Nature-Based Solutions in events of varying magnitude and differing temporal scales
  • Quantitative long-term or large-scale models
  • Familiarity with Nature-Based options among designers and engineers
  • Standardized methods or tools for the design and assessment of Nature-Based Solutions
  • Consistent legislative and regulatory frameworks
  • The ability to harness the support of stakeholders for implementation, funding and sustainability
  • Interdisciplinary approach between all groups (government agencies, NGOs, private sector, scientists etc.)