Nature-Based Exchange Compendium

The first Nature-Based Exchange workshop accomplished two main goals: (1) to educate attendees on what natural and nature-based solutions (NNBS) are and how they are currently being implemented in South Carolina and (2) to solicit feedback that will aid in designing the remaining workshops.

The second workshop aimed to develop common messaging around natural and nature-based solutions. Designed and facilitated by HDR, Inc., this workshop was highly interactive, soliciting information from participants to identify problems and stakeholders, define messaging strategies, and determine what words should (and should not) be used in messaging.

The third workshop was focused on planning for natural and nature-based solutions and was designed to provided time for education and brainstorming. To do this, the workshop was broken into three parts: why, how, and what. To answer these questions, the day was made up of a plenary presentation, panel discussion, and breakout group session.

The fourth workshop explored how natural and nature-based solutions can be funded using external and internal funding opportunities and how to complete a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) for NNBS projects. The workshop was comprised of a plenary presentation and two panel discussions.

The fifth workshop was centered around the role of equity in natural and nature-based solutions and considered how we can each do our part to enhance equity in the state of South Carolina. Comprised mostly of presentations by experts, the workshop also included some time for individual reflection and networking.

The sixth workshop was the first of two workshops to examine design standards for natural and nature-based solutions (NNBS). This workshop explored design standards from the perspectives of practitioners and academia. Practitioners discussed the technical design aspects associated with NNBS projects, including design details, specifications, and source material, as well as best practices and challenges. Academia explained what the state of the practice is now and what today's students are being taught in the classroom (as well as what opportunities are out there).

The seventh workshop was the second of a two-part discussion on design standards. Similar to the first design standards workshop, this workshop further explored the roles of practitioners and academia within the realm of natural and nature-based solutions. Three questions guided the first half of the workshop: Three questions guided the first half of the workshop: What are we teaching? What are we doing? And how are we doing it? To conclude the workshop, our featured speaker, Dr. Todd Bridges, discussed his own experiences, observations, and knowledge on the state of nature-based solutions by addressing the “big picture” questions that revolve around nature-based design.

From the seven workshops, the Nature-Based Exchange created several products (or resources) that can be used to advance natural and nature-based solutions in South Carolina and beyond. A downloadable version of only Chapter 8 is not yet available. For now, please view the Full Compendium to check out Chapter 8.