February 7 – 8, 2024
Hosted at the National Academies in Washington, D.C.
INTRODUCTION
The first annual Network for Engineering With Nature (N-EWN) National Policy Forum on Nature-based Solutions was held on February 7-8, 2024 at the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington D.C. The forum brought together experts and leaders from various disciplines and geographies to delve into the transformative potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for infrastructure development.
The goal of forum was to provide a unique opportunity for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and practitioners to discuss the necessary policy reforms and institutional changes required to mainstream the use of NbS. Over the course of the two-day forum, participants worked through sessions with four main focus areas related to advancing NbS including 1) financing NbS; 2) innovations in permitting with considerations for comprehensive benefit-cost analysis; 3) the importance of equity and justice; and 4) international case studies and partnerships.
OBJECTIVES
- Identify key policies and regulations to be modified, revised, or created to increase the use of NbS;
- Understand the advantages and disadvantages of NbS along with the challenges that must be overcome in the widespread adoption;
- Foster equitable and inclusive stakeholder engagement through collaboration and facilitation of new connections between participants and organizations; and
- Knowledge sharing of best practices from successful international NbS projects and partnerships.
The forum also coincided with the highly anticipated launch of the Engineering With Nature: An Atlas (Volume 3). The launch of the newest installment in this distinguished series showcases extraordinary projects exemplifying the principles of Engineering With Nature and provides an accessible resource for readers to explore built projects from around the world and gain insights into successful nature-based infrastructure. Learn more about the Atlas series here.
TARGET AGENCIES
US Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Defense, State and Local Government, National and International non-profits and non-governmental organizations.
VENUE
National Academies of Science, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington D.C.
WATCH THE RECORDING
Learn more about the event and access recordings at nationalacademies.org.