Improving Coastal Resilience through Nature-Based Solutions in Tijuana, MX
Project overview
With funding support through the San Diego Foundation’s Binational Resilience Initiative, this small-scale nature-based infrastructure pilot project was co-developed with community members on the front lines of climate change in order to build capacity, transfer knowledge, and build equitable climate resilience through nature-based solutions. By utilizing a multidisciplinary work group and implementing a small-scale project, the process will then be evaluated and shared with neighboring municipalities in Teacse, Rosarito, and Ensenada with the possibility of scaling up the positive impacts.
Research conducted
In 2020, TRNERR partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Coastal Management (NOAA OCM) to facilitate two nature-based solutions workshops for decision-makers in Baja California. The offerings, “Green Infrastructure for Coastal Resilience Training” and “Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Hazards” resulted in a formal request to update Baja California state environmental protection and urban development regulations with mandatory nature-based infrastructure guidelines. A similar request was made and approved at the municipal level. With widespread support from state and municipal governments in Baja California, TRNERR has recently requested technical assistance from NOAA’s Digital Coast Connects opportunity to complete a “Technical Handbook of Nature-Based Infrastructure Guidelines.” With support from the Binational Resilience Fund, we can take this one step forward and implement a recommendation from the handbook, on-the-ground in Tijuana. We propose to co-develop a small-scale nature-based infrastructure pilot project with community members on the front lines of climate change in order to build capacity, transfer knowledge, and build equitable climate resilience through NBS. While the Handbook development will determine direction and selections, some examples of NBS include permeable pavement, slope stabilization, bioretention, and restoration. Based on previous project examples, there is potential to transfer lessons learned to neighboring municipalities of Tecate, Rosarito, and Ensenada, scaling up the positive impacts.
Our timeline for the pilot project is 24 months:
- During the first six months of the project, 1 multidisciplinary work group will be convened including representation from local government, academia, private sector and NGOs. The working group will identify areas of opportunity for improving community resilience with the goal of promoting the implementation of NBS in the binational region.
- In order to promote the benefits of NBS, during the first 18 months of the grant, 1 small-scale project will be completed incorporating the technical parameters of nature-based infrastructure.
- By the end of the 24 month project period, a final report evaluating the process will be completed. The information contained in the report will outline lessons learned for implementing similar NBS projects in the region.
Findings
TBD
Outcomes & impact
TBD
Sponsors & supporters
Tijuana Community Members
Consultant/contractor(s)
Tijuana Environmental Subcommittee
Academics from Tijuana Universities