San Diego County has incredibly diverse natural and human systems, yet they face a broad range of climate related threats like sea level rise, coastal erosion, flooding, and fires. The San Diego Conservation Planning Hub brings coastal resilience experts together with the goal of mitigating these intersecting challenges through Nature-based Solutions, specifically in coastal dunes and urban canyon ecosystems.
Nature-based Solutions, or NbS, are actions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems while also improving human well-being and biodiversity. Our Hub intends to build climate and coastal resilience through capacity-building opportunities in collaboration with scientists, city and state agencies, community-based organizations, and land managers. These opportunities will engage local communities and include trainings on NbS, habitat restoration guidelines, and site visits to different coastal ecosystems.
This project will develop 20 restoration subplans and one final regional plan for dune and canyon ecosystems. The Hub will serve as a “help desk” for conservation planning and bring together resources and stakeholders across the San Diego region, strengthening already existing networks of professional organizations, local communities, and centralizing The Nat’s extensive knowledge of regional biodiversity.
Questions? Contact the Conservation Planning Hub by using our contact form under "Research".
The San Diego Conservation Planning Hub is possible thanks to funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Climate Resilience Fellows:
In collaboration with San Diego Canyonlands, The Nat has recruited 10 Climate Resilience Fellows to help engage local community members who live or work near urban canyons and dunes in San Diego County. The Fellows are integral to ensuring our work is anchored in an equity-first approach and local perspectives are included and prioritized in the restoration plans. This paid fellowship will provide support through community outreach events, local habitat restoration, and trainings related to best practices in NbS and climate resilience.