Watershed-based flood and erosion management using natural and nature-based solutions

Note: The title and scope for this NOI (originally published on May 30, 2023) was updated by the responsible SDO on March 19, 2024. Note: As requested by the responsible SDO, this NOI being reissued as the standard was in the initial stages of development for more than 12 months. An additional comment period of March 19 to April 11, 2024 will be applied.

A key priority in dealing with climate adaptation is developing and mainstreaming best practices regarding the mitigation of coastal and riverine flooding and erosion risks as well as the remediation of these impacts.  This includes best practices ranging from ‘hard engineering’ solutions, such as the planning, design, and build of infrastructure or landforms, to the use of natural and nature-based solutions along with soft engineering.  The majority of current design guidance for natural and nature-based solutions (NbS) is still relatively high-level and lacks either the technical detail required, or region-specific contexts needed for effective management of flooding and erosion risks.

The proposed watershed-based flood and erosion management using natural and nature-based solutions National Standard of Canada will draw upon existing knowledge, expertise, and specific research to directly support action to strengthen climate change adaptation measures through the use of natural and nature-based solutions at the watershed level.  The NSC is aimed at providing guidance to relevant regulators, managers, and practitioners to implement NbS as practical applications to mitigate and manage flooding and erosion risks.