State of the practice and engineering framework for using emergent vegetation in coastal infrastructure

Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) are promoted as alternatives to structural flood protection measures. Progress has been made in understanding the physics engineering of these systems; however, engineering, ecological, social barriers implementation remain. This paper identifies using results a literature review summary expert opinion; contrasts state practice NNBF with traditional structures; details main challenges implementation, including uncertainty current calculation techniques lack design guidelines. We suggest that emergent vegetation systems can be designed body information, an example framework is proposed for assessing their wave attenuation performance. The discussed context risk, future research priorities presented.