Advancing nature-based solutions for resilient infrastructure

As the infrastructure sector responds to escalating climate, biodiversity and flood risks, nature positive solutions are becoming central to how resilient systems are planned, designed and delivered. Moving from theory to widespread implementation, however, requires clear pathways that integrate ecological principles with engineering practice. 

Jacobs is playing an active role in advancing this shift, working alongside government, academia and industry to help translate nature-based concepts into scalable, deliverable infrastructure solutions. By contributing technical expertise and applied experience, we’re strengthening consistency and quality of — and, consequently, confidence in — how natural infrastructure is designed and implemented across river banks and coastal systems.

One example is the growing adoption of floodplain benching — reshaping riverbanks to reconnect rivers with their floodplains — as a solution for inland river systems where historical development has constrained natural floodplain function. Well-designed floodplain benches can reduce flood risk while restoring natural processes, improving ecosystem health and enhancing resilience to changing flow and sediment regimes. Integrating these approaches into mainstream engineering practice is critical to addressing long-standing flood and environmental challenges.

“The need for progress is enormous as our systems are out of kilter,” says Dr. Todd Bridges, professor of practice at the University of Georgia, founder of Engineering with Nature® and leader of the International Guidelines on Natural and Nature-based Features for Flood Risk Management. “Restoring balance and improving long-term performance requires integrating conventional and nature-based engineering — and accelerating that shift by equipping all stakeholders to deliver 21st-century solutions.” 

Beyond floodplain restoration, Jacobs’ work spans a broad range of natural infrastructure approaches, including oyster reef restoration, wood-based riverbank stabilization and tidal flow reconnection for wetlands, helping address some of the most pressing resilience challenges facing communities today. 

Network for Engineering with Nature

Jacobs is a member of the Network for Engineering with Nature®, a global group of researchers, practitioners and academics working to align engineering and natural systems for improved economic, environmental and social outcomes. Through collaboration, applied research and transdisciplinary teams, the network helps accelerate the adoption of natural infrastructure across sectors. 

“Consolidating and strengthening the scattered engineering guidance that exists today is critical to accelerating and expanding natural infrastructure practice,” says Dr. Brian Bledsoe, founding director of the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems at the University of Georgia and member of the Network’s Executive Committee. “This work provides a strong foundation for designing resilient, nature-based infrastructure that protects communities and livelihoods.” 

Jacobs has also collaborated with other members of the Network through initiatives such as the Nature-based Solutions Forums, our work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and delivery of complex resilience projects including the rebuilding of Tyndall Air Force Base following Hurricane Michael. 

Accelerating nature positive solutions 

At Jacobs, we design and deliver nature positive solutions that go beyond sustainability to regenerate ecosystems, reverse biodiversity loss and strengthen climate resilience. By combining leading science, data intelligence and cross-disciplinary knowledge — from ecology and environmental planning to engineering and biomimicry — we help clients embed nature at the heart of infrastructure and urban systems. This includes our nature-based solutions practice area, applying natural and nature-inspired approaches — such as floodplain benches and oyster reef restoration — to help address a wide array of economic and societal challenges as defined by the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions.

“Nature positive solutions help combat biodiversity loss, climate change, ecosystem fragmentation and growing risks from water, land and climate hazards,” says Jacobs Global Principal for Nature Positive Solutions Chris Allen. “By aligning human activities with natural processes that restore ecological balance, these solutions ensure that development supports long-term environmental health, while also delivering social and economic benefits.”