Nature-Based Solutions Program
One of the Louisiana Watershed Initiative’s goals is to leverage the state’s vast network of natural ecosystems to protect communities and enhance statewide resilience to floods and other hazards. In addition to the economic and recreational benefits of Louisiana’s landscape, the state can benefit from the role its natural resources play in absorbing and detaining floodwaters, enhancing water quality and buffering the impact of storms.
These types of strategies, which use nature to enhance the community, restore water quality and slow the movement of stormwater, are called nature-based solutions.
LWI and Nature-Based Solutions
LWI will weave nature-based solutions into every facet of the program by:
- Funding projects that harness natural features to reduce flood risk and improve water quality
- Providing training and technical resources to advance understanding and adoption of nature-based solutions
- Prioritizing nature-based solutions across state programs and projects
- Using tools to quantify benefits and measure performance of these actions on our natural environment
Working With Nature Training Series
The state is hosting a series of nine training modules on nature-based solutions. The modules provide the knowledge and training necessary to design and develop nature-based solutions projects that can address various types of flood risk throughout the state.
FALL 2021
MODULE NO. 1
Introduction to working with nature and Vermilion River case study
Module No. 1 Presentation
Module No. 1 Webinar Recording
MODULE NO. 2
Designing with nature-based solutions in rural areas and open space
Module No. 2 Presentation
Module No. 2 Webinar Recording
MODULE NO. 3
Designing with nature-based solutions in urban areas
Module No. 3 Presentation
Module No. 3 Webinar Recording
SPRING 2022
MODULE NO. 4
Nature-based solutions in roadway projects and programs
Module No. 4 Presentation
Module No. 4 Webinar Recording
MODULE NO. 5
Development regulations and incentives for nature-based solutions
Module No. 5 Presentation
MODULE NO. 6
Valuing nature-based solutions: The cost-benefit analysis
Module No. 6 Presentation
Module No. 6 Webinar Recording
SUMMER 2022
MODULE NO. 7
Federal programs and nature-based solutions
Module No. 7 Presentation
Module No. 7 Webinar Recording
Compendium of Federal Nature-Based Resources
MODULE NO. 8
Operating and maintaining nature-based infrastructure solutions
Module No. 8 Presentation
Module No. 8 Webinar Recording
MODULE NO. 9
Implementing nature-based solutions
Module No. 8 Presentation
Module No. 9 Webinar Recording
RESOURCES
NBS Explorer Tool & Fact Sheet
RTI International developed a hydrologic modeling tool that combines cutting-edge science with the power of nature to simulate daily streamflow and water quality, offering insights for evaluating the impact of nature-based solutions on watershed sustainability.
The Nature Conservancy and RTI International developed an interactive map for exploring preliminary opportunity areas and associated criteria for nature-based solutions projects.
TNC & RTI International: Nature-Based Solutions Opportunity Maps Training
The Nature Conservancy and RTI International hosted a nature-based solutions training session in April 2023, focused on NBS opportunity maps, which screen for areas appropriate for NBS types and practices.
Compendium of Federal Nature-Based Resources
The White House Coastal Resilience Interagency Working Group developed a summary of federal resources and guidance on green infrastructure, nature-based solutions and habitat restoration to assist communities in evaluating and investing in nature-based strategies.
Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Risk Management: An Information Guide
This guide focuses on nature-based solutions and their application in Louisiana to support flood risk management, including an appendix with summary sheets detailing particular types of nature-based solutions.
Types of Nature-Based Solutions: Summary Sheets