4 minute read
Conclusion
Article Cover: A great egret (Ardea alba) feeding in the Teaneck Creek Park shallows along the edge of one of the sand seepage pools, which supports prey species, including various fish, water snakes, frogs, and others. (Photo by David Ike Photography)
Looking to the Future
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. —Rachel Carson
The journey through these Engineering With Nature (EWN) projects stands as a testament to the boundless potential of partnership between human innovation and the natural world. As we close this volume, we are reminded of Rachel Carson’s words:
"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter."[1]
Just as the achievements of engineering have shaped the past century, so too can they shape the next. Yet, the question arises: What expanded value can human engineering create in a partnership with nature? The answer lies in our collective commitment to innovation, collaboration, and stewardship.
As we embark on this journey, we must also embrace the development of new science, engineering, and methods of working. Focused research and development, coupled with interdisciplinary collaboration, will unlock the full potential of nature-based solutions.
Introducing new ideas and methods into practice requires a concerted effort to bridge the gap between theory and application. By fostering dialogue and exchange among researchers and practitioners, we can ensure that cutting-edge innovations find practical implementation.
[1] Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder: A Celebration of Nature for Parents and Children (1965; repr., New York: Harper Perennial, 1998), 98. Citations refer to Kindle edition.
Through deliberate efforts to engage across sectors, we can harness diverse perspectives and experiences to advance sustainable infrastructure. The Network for EWN stands as a beacon for such collaboration.
Education and training are paramount to preparing future generations for the challenges and opportunities ahead. By equipping professionals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace nature-based solutions, we ensure a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
Strategic communication will be the linchpin of our success. Through channels like the EWN website, the Atlas series, and the podcast series, we can share best practices, inspire action, and foster confidence in our collective vision. Documenting the diverse benefits of EWN approaches is essential for driving progress. Understanding and quantifying the economic, environmental, and social benefits of our endeavors will guide future decision-making and investment.
In the coming years, the EWN Initiative will continue to collaborate and collectively share in success. Together, we will build a future where nature and engineering are partners and allies, creating a world of endless possibilities. Let us embrace this journey with optimism, determination, and a profound respect for the beauty and wonders of the natural world, and in doing so, “find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
