The issues we face threaten the physical and ecological processes of upland and coastal ecosystems. Systems that provide countless benefits to both nature and society. To address this, we must shift our paradigm: restoring and enhancing ecosystem functions is not only vital for wildlife but also for human well-being. Increasing public understanding in “recognizing the value of multiple ecosystem services for human well-being is a first step in connecting ecosystem service value to land and ocean management decisions.”2 

(2) Chaplin-Kramer R.  et. al., 2016. Introduction to Concepts of Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning, Ecosystem Services, and Natural Capital, In H. Mooney, & E. Zavaleta (Eds.), Ecosystems of California, Chapter 15, University of California Press

 

Nature-Based Adaptation Strategies

Urban planning and land-use design must integrate green infrastructure, open spaces, and ecological considerations. Restoring ecosystems with native vegetation—on hillslopes, swales, ditches, creeks, wetlands, and coasts—helps mitigate erosion and floods, improve water quality, recharge aquifers, create habitats, absorb carbon dioxide, and maintain stream flows, thereby strengthening ecosystem resilience.

 

Key Benefits of Native Vegetation

 

1. Reduces runoff velocity and volume, mitigating erosion, landslides and floods while replenishing aquifers.

2. Traps sediments, nutrients, and toxins, improving water quality.

3. Serves as vegetated buffers that protect natural ecosystems (creeks, wetlands, kelp-forests, reefs) from pollutants.

4. Supports biodiversity and ecological connectivity, even in urban areas.

 

Beaches and Dunes

Beaches and dunes, naturally built by wind, waves, and currents, are stabilized by adapted vegetation with deep roots and fibrous structures. Healthy dunes act as natural bulwarks, absorbing wave energy and protecting against storm surges, flooding, and erosion. They are the least expensive and most effective defense against coastal hazards, while also providing habitat for seabirds, sea turtles, and small mammals. For this reason, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers classifies dunes as protective infrastructure.

 

Coastal Wetlands

Wetlands such as mangroves and salt marshes act as buffers against flooding, absorb wave energy, filter pollutants, and improve water quality. They are also powerful carbon sinks, mitigating climate change. Wetlands provide critical nursery habitats for fish, shellfish, birds, and reptiles, supporting fisheries, tourism, and recreation, while securing sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

 

Kelp Forests and Coral Reefs

These ecosystems are vital habitats for countless marine species. They also serve as natural breakwaters, reducing wave energy and protecting coastlines from erosion, while supporting biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal resilience.