Nature-based Engineering has become more commonplace in water resource infrastructure design and cultural resource preservation practice (e.g. living shorelines), however, this knowledge base is often overlooked, undervalued, and misunderstood by scientists.

“Nature-based engineering harnesses the power of nature to create resilient and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges”

Research and develop nature-based engineering processes, tools, and techniques as appropriate and their application to water resource infrastructure engineering and watershed ecosystem services for communities.

Through biodiversity research (genomics, watershed ecology) CONSERVE empowers communities, governments, and industry with research designed products, processes, and pathways to enhance cultural and watershed resilience for these resources nationally and internationally.

By integrating biodiversity preservation into watershed restoration efforts through nature-based engineering, we can create thriving ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species, fostering ecological balance and resilience

Community Water Intelligence empowers local communities to actively participate in watershed restoration and nature-based engineering initiatives, fostering a collective understanding and stewardship of water resources.

“CONSERVE has pioneered novel methodologies, tools, and techniques enabling water resource scientists to enhance their analysis of human and cultural responses to evolving water landscapes.”

Understanding the cultural value of water varies across regions, groups, and societies, it is important to recognize how communities adapt to cultural and water resource changes. This knowledge informs the effective use of water science in various contexts, both historically and in the future.

Ecosystem restoration, within the context of watershed restoration and nature-based engineering, focuses on reviving degraded habitats, improving water quality, and reestablishing ecological balance for the benefit of both nature and communities.

Ecosystem restoration refers to the process of repairing, revitalizing, or reestablishing ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. It involves activities aimed at restoring the ecological integrity and functionality of an ecosystem, which may have been disrupted due to human activities, natural disasters, or other factors.

Watershed habitat conservation refers to the protection and management of the natural habitats and ecosystems within a watershed.

Conserving watershed habitats is important for several reasons. First and foremost, these habitats provide essential ecosystem services, such as water filtration, flood control, and the maintenance of water quality.

They also support a wide variety of plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity and preserving natural habitats. Additionally, healthy watershed habitats contribute to recreational opportunities, tourism, and the overall quality of life for nearby communities.

Environment Science and Biology play integral roles in the field of nature-based engineering, providing the scientific foundation for understanding ecosystem dynamics, species interactions, and ecological processes.

“Environmental science and biology are closely linked to CONSERVE’s water science portfolio and can are applied in various ways."

CONSERVE utilizes collaborative approaches to further the mission of expanding engineering with nature research through literature reviews, engagement with colleagues across UA and partner organizations, and through independent research.

Water Related Cultural Resource Preservation focuses on safeguarding and celebrating the historical, artistic, and traditional aspects of human interactions with water, ensuring their long-term preservation and transmission to future generations.

“As cultural and water resources become unstable, so does society, culture, and governments.”

Not only is water access, quantity, and quality of value at the community level, but how these resources are managed have serious implications for the long-term viability of cultural resources preservation and traditional cultural practices that impact the survival of many societies.