Nature-Based Adaptation Strategies Guidance

Following a 30-day public input period and an informational briefing at the December 2025 Commission meeting (see ‘other discussions’ from our report), the Commissioners unanimously approved this important new guidance document designed to help the Commission, local governments, and anyone subject to the Coastal Act improve resiliency throughout the coastal zone. 

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ActCoastal member Surfrider, along with several other coastal advocacy organizations, championed the process and offered suggestions during the public input period. Local governments and agencies chimed in as well, most notably from San Diego County. Several commenters pleaded with the Commission to weaken their interpretation of what constitutes a nature-based adaptation strategy. Meanwhile, Surfrider and others argued for keeping the definition strong and truly nature-based. Neither side got everything they wanted, but the final document reflects a strong, nature-centered definition. 

Debate will surely continue over the types of resilience projects that can rightly be labeled nature-based. However, it’s worth noting that Commission staff evaluate projects against the Coastal Act's language regardless of whether applicants label them nature-based — the guidance doesn't create a shortcut to approval. That said, we hope this document will inspire and aid communities to center nature in their coastal resiliency decisions to the maximum extent possible.

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Sand historically made its way to our coast via rivers and coastal bluff erosion, creating beaches up and down the coast. But development upstream cut off much of this sand supply, while coastal development - especially beach/bluff armoring and engineered structures like breakwaters and harbors - have blocked bluff sediment from reaching our beaches. These interruptions have created a sand deficit in much of the state. Add climate-change fueled sea level rise to the equation, and we stand to lose 70% of our beaches by 2100. NBAS offer a favorable interim option to simultaneously preserve our beaches while protecting coastal infrastructure. Native dune restoration, for example, restores vital coastal ecosystems that naturally retain sand on the beach while creating a buffer against flooding for low-lying infrastructure landward of the beach. ActCoastal members have long embraced the nature-based approach; indeed, they form the basis for Surfrider's national Climate Action Program.

Check out the video below to learn more about one of the finest example of NBAS in California, if not the world: the Surfer's Point Managed Retreat project in Ventura. Since this video aired, Phase II of the project is well underway and almost complete! 

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