On November 14, ICSI was delighted to participate in the G20 Social in Rio, which aims to increase the participation of non-state actors in the activities and processes of the G20. The session, entitled Nature-positive and Resilient Coastal Zones, explored how non-state actors are leading progress in integrating resilience into the maritime sector by presenting inspiring multi-stakeholder initiatives in the region. It was co-hosted by the Climate Champions Team, the State of Rio de Janeiro, ICSI and the UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition.

Savina Carluccio (Executive Director, ICSI) was invited to present on the topic of Nature-positive Engineering (NPE). Read Savina’s full remarks below.

As acknowledged by the United Nations, we are currently grappling with a triple planetary crisis, where challenges of climate change, biodiversity decline and pollution are deeply interlinked. We can’t solve interconnected crises one at a time.

Humans are an integral part of nature, we are deeply intertwined and dependent on it. Natural ecosystems support all life on Earth, protect us from climate change, impact our mental health and well-being, help our economies and underpin the achievement of sustainable development. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet and its people. If nature is endangered, so are we.

Infrastructure, including ports, plays a pivotal role in providing services for people around the world and fostering economic development. Yet, it is also a major contributor to climate and ecological damage, with up to 79% of carbon emissions globally being linked to infrastructure. 

Coastal ecosystems are a first line of defence against climate risks such as flooding and storm surges. A recent study, the Coastal Risk Index, estimates that 14.2 million more people would be flooded annually without the protection of mangroves and coral reefs. 

The need is clear: we must prioritise solutions that protect and restore nature and biodiversity – this is where Nature-positive Engineering (NPE) comes in. 

Nature-positive approaches offer a crucial opportunity to reshape our relationship with nature. Engineering has traditionally sought to control and conquer natural processes to make space for human development. It has often viewed nature as an obstacle to be overcome, rather than as a tool and an ally to help achieve sustainable and resilient outcomes for all.

Nature-positive Engineering calls for a paradigm shift in engineering practice where nature is seen as part of the solution and considered as an equal partner. By rethinking how we engineer our cities and towns, ports and shipping and coastal protection infrastructure, we can transform these sectors into powerful forces for ecological restoration, whilst also mitigating carbon emissions and building the resilience of people and nature.

NPE focuses on solutions that are mindful of the entire lifecycle of infrastructure, from design to decommissioning and across disciplines. This means considering how each stage impacts the environment and how we can work with nature, safeguarding, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems, to ensure climate resilience and long-term sustainability in an increasingly uncertain future. 

These solutions are ecology-minded from outset, while safely delivering positive outcomes for people and community. Examples range from living breakwaters and seawalls to green-grey solutions combining mangroves or coral reefs with permeable groynes, to the use of data and technology to inform marine spatial planning or sediment management in wetlands.

ICSI is conducting a global study and consultation that will bring clarity to what NPE approaches and solutions are in the context of ports and shipping, coastal protection and adaptation and offshore renewable energy. This study will take stock of best practices and identify gaps and actions to scale up implementation. We are aiming to influence the engineering community globally and to engage with stakeholders from policy, finance, civil society and academia. We are delighted to bring this discussion to Brazil in February.

Read more about ICSI’s work on Nature-positive Engineering in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation.