5 minute read
Conclusion
Recognizing EWN Opportunities and Encouraging Action
Making the Future
One generation plants a tree; another gets the shade. — Chinese proverb
The achievements of engineering over the last 100 years are awesome to consider. In fact, these achievements are integral to the foundation of modern civilization. In view of these contributions, what value can engineering produce over the next 100 years? Better still, what expanded value can human engineering create in a partnership with nature?
Innovation is the product of intention. To be sure, some discoveries have occurred by accident, and some advancements have occurred through serendipity. However, in most cases, transforming matured practice requires the energy supplied by deliberation and focused effort. The projects contained in this Atlas reveal both the reality and the potential to engineer in partnership with nature. Expanding upon these and other examples to realize the full potential of Engineering With Nature will involve commitments to progress in several key areas.
Innovating through relationships, collaborations, and productive partnerships. Innovation is most effectively achieved through partnership. Collaboration across all sectors is needed to advance sustainable infrastructure. The full progression of engagement will include coordination, collaboration and codevelopment across local, regional, and national government; among government agencies; between the public and private sectors; and between academia and the broader research community and public and private project developers.
Developing new science, engineering, and methods of working. Focused research and development will expand application of nature-based solutions across multiple purposes, including for navigation infrastructure, flood risk management, water operations, and ecosystem restoration, among other areas of application. Building relationships and collaborations across organizations with different perspectives and mandates will foster the development of creative solutions. By drawing together diverse ideas, experiences, and missions, we can accelerate and advance the technical capability to deliver naturebased solutions. The Network for Engineering With Nature (www.n-ewn.org) was formed to support such interactions.
Introducing new ideas and methods into practice. While new science, engineering, and technology is being developed, there is an important need for researchers and the practitioners that plan, design, and build nature-based solutions to work together in coordinating the technology “push and pull” that introduces new approaches into practical implementation. This interaction can take a variety of practical forms, including workshops, working meetings, and formal technical engagements among organizations. The goals and outcomes of these engagements should include identifying needs and gaps to be filled; facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration; and introducing new concepts, science, and engineering practice to project investors, planners, designers, builders, and operators.
Documenting the diverse benefits of EWN approaches and projects. Expanding the capability to describe, quantify, and document the diverse value that can be produced by EWN approaches—including economic, environmental, and social benefits—will be key to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions in the twenty-first century. Understanding both public and private desire for expanded project value, planning and designing projects for diverse benefits, and measuring the performance of projects over time will promote progress in delivering nature-based solutions.
Communicating strategically about innovation, delivery, and progress. Communication is critical to both building and then maintaining momentum. A wide range of communication activities are needed to share best practice, foster technical advancement, and instill confidence in practice. The Engineering With Nature Atlas series is one channel for communicating progress and potential. The EWN Podcast series and other forms of social media provide a means for sharing ideas and intentions across a broad range of audiences. Effective strategic communication will engage the public as well as practitioners.
Preparing people for the future through education and training. Progress is fueled by learning. This is true for everyone, for research scientists, professional engineers, project owners, and members of a local community. The path to twenty-first-century infrastructure includes meeting both short and long-term educational needs. We need to help everyone become aware of the growing range of possible engineering solutions, including nature-based solutions. Technical professionals that are supporting infrastructure development need opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver sustainable projects. New educational curricula and courses are needed to support the development of future professionals and tomorrow’s nature-based solutions.
The Engineering With Nature Initiative will expand its collaborations across and with government, the private and nonprofit sectors, academia, and communities to achieve the vision of nature and engineering as partners and allies. We are going build productive relationships, learn from others, and share our successes over the next 10 years and beyond.
The future is bright with opportunity for Engineering With Nature!
