Community acceptance of nature‐based solutions for coastal flood risk management

1. Coastal areas are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels and more frequent storm events, necessitating urgent adaptation strategies. Various adaptation approaches exist, including hard engineering solutions and nature-based solutions, but whether these strategies are implemented often depends on social acceptance by local communities. Understanding the factors that influence community acceptance, such as trust, knowledge and perceived effectiveness, is vital for coastal risk management.

2. This study employed a mixed methods approach across four diverse case study sites in the United Kingdom—St Andrews (Scotland), Airth (Scotland), Hesketh Bank (England) and Pensarn (Wales). We employed a postal survey and focus groups to gather both quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of local perceptions and values.

3. A total of 328 valid responses were gathered across four sites, with variations in response rates and demographic characteristics, notably age and education. Awareness of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) was low in Hesketh Bank, Pensarn and Airth, only respondents in St Andrews were more familiar with the term. Qualitative analysis identified 68 community and individual-level factors, scheme characteristics and sociopolitical factors that influence social acceptance of coastal flood risk schemes.

4. Participants emphasised the importance of local knowledge and landscape values but expressed low trust in government authorities and a lack of confidence in influencing local decisions. The study highlights the complexity of community acceptance of NbS for coastal flood risk management, indicating that local perceptions are influenced by a combination individual factors such as trust; the characteristics of schemes; and the ways in which governance systems interact with local communities. Context is also important with certain factors being site specific.

5. Synthesis and applications. Community acceptance plays a crucial role in implementing coastal schemes, highlighting the importance of addressing the interests, values and experiences of local communities. Building trust and engaging stakeholders early in the planning stages to overcome potential push back due to uncertainties is critical. Collaborative and whole-systems approaches are also essential to ensure that the benefits of NbS are effectively communicated and integrated.