What are you doing in my swamp? A case study of a community-led buyout and ecosystem restoration program in Staten Island, NY, from 2012 - 2024

This study raises questions about how subject matter experts and policymakers may better communicate nature-based solutions with vulnerable communities and manage the long-term protection of coastlines from more extreme storms. Hurricane Sandy hit the New York City region on October 29th, 2012. Various coastal communities recorded extensive damage, including Oakwood Beach, a small community on the southern coast of Staten Island. Under a New York State-led buyout program, funded by a Community Development Block Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the majority of the residents of this community agreed to and advocated for a community relocation.

As practical and effective Nature-based Solutions are more incorporated by communities, acknowledging realistic project implementation becomes more and more imperative. Academics, subject matter experts, policymakers, and practitioners must ensure that funding, capacity, and support can be secured for long-term projects. By identifying key communication gaps, standardizing crucial definitions, and establishing long-term protocols, project implementation can be more consistent and streamlined.