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.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

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. 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

Nature-Based Solutions Opportunity Map Viewer

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