The findings were clear. NBC is popular, with 60% of respondents saying that they are their preferred choice. Rather than oppose it, many people liked the idea of a greener, more sustainable approach that worked with nature.
However, when it comes to effectiveness, most respondents believed that a stiff defense was a better option. This shows the gap between what people want and what they think actually works.
Hard defenses like Seawall Groinhas been around for a long time and is considered a “proven” method. In comparison, NBC is less familiar with its long-term outcomes.
Consciousness
Interestingly, most people rejected the idea of doing nothing. Over 85% of respondents were opposed to leaving the coast unprotected, even when natural processes could allow the landscape to be shaped. This indicates that coastal protection is important to the community.
People’s preference for hard defense can be explained in part by their visibility and history. It’s easy to trust the embankment as you can see them standing between your home and the sea.
There is also decades of evidence that hard defense can reduce risk in the short term, despite its potential to cause problems elsewhere.
In contrast, NBC often works behind the scenes. Saltmarshes and Sand Dunes may take years to establish and demonstrate their interestsmaking it difficult for people to trust them completely.
This study highlights the need to raise public awareness of how these solutions work and how effective they are. Without this understanding, NBC may have difficulty gaining the extensive support it needs.
protection
Increased effective communication is essential to making NBCS an important part of coastal protection. People need to see examples of these solutions in person with evidence of success.
Community involvement is also important. By involving local residents in planning and implementation of NBC, we can ensure that these solutions not only meet the needs of people designed to protect, but also feel they are invested in the process.
Another way is to combine NBC with traditional defense. This hybrid approach offers the best world of both. That is, immediate protection from hard defense and long-term benefits from more natural protection measures. Over time, such projects will help build trust in the effectiveness of NBC.
As our coastal risks grow, we need solutions that protect our homes as well as our environment. This study shows that people are deeply interested in coastal conservation and are open to a greener, more sustainable approach.
However, it takes time and effort to bridge the gap between national preferences and perceived effectiveness. By improving education, engaging the community and showing successful projects, we can build trust in NBC and ensure that the coast is not only safe, but also thrives in life.
Protecting our coasts is more than just an environmental challenge. Rather, it is an opportunity to rethink our relationship with nature and ensure a better future for future generations.
These authors
Dr. Abidesh Sheeus is the course director of Master’s degree Environmental Change and Management at Oxford University, where he also lectures. His research interest lies in the behavior, modelling and management of coastal systems. Dr. Scott Mahadeo is a senior lecturer in economics at the University of Portsmouth, UK. He is interested in research into environmental economics, energy economics, and sustainability. Dr. Jade Catterson is an assistant professor of human geography at Coventry University, UK. Her research interests include social inequality, sustainability, demographics and reduction in disaster risk.
