Applying the Working with Nature philosophy to navigation infrastructure projects

In 2008, the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (Pianc) published a position paper describing a Working with Nature (WwN) philosophy that aimed to change how the sector approaches navigation and port infrastructure projects. In 2018, Pianc published guidance on implementing WwN, an integrated approach that aligns new or existing infrastructure with natural processes. Pianc’s guidance presents a six-step process to implement WwN that encourages consideration of site-specific ecosystem characteristics and WwN opportunities at early stages of project development, early stakeholder engagement and integration of WwN into the development of project objectives before design begins. By incorporating WwN applications during conception, design and early stages of development, the WwN approach provides the most promising opportunities to affect positive outcomes for the environment. This holistic understanding of ecosystem processes and socioeconomic interactions realises that environmental impacts can be minimised while concomitantly seeking opportunities to enhance ecosystem functions at various spatial and temporal scales. Project delivery thus goes beyond merely avoiding or compensating for negative project impacts and seeks multi-sector ecosystem and socioeconomic benefits. Applied in practice, and consistent with UN Sustainable Development Goals, WwN can increase habitat functionality, reduce energy associated with construction or maintenance, and enhance the short- and long-term delivery of ecosystem services. Projects consistent with the WwN philosophy therefore achieve their underlying engineering objectives, alongside various co-benefits, consistent with the environmental, societal and economic sustainability pillars.