Reef Exchanges

In this episode, Henry Borrebach and Kristen Maize from the Reef Resilience Network are joined by Rob McDonald, Lead Scientist for Nature-based Solutions at The Nature Conservancy, to discuss Nature-based Solutions for managing wastewater pollution.  Nature-based Solutions provide an alternative to traditional gray infrastructure by using natural processes to capture and treat contaminated water before discharging it into the ocean or waterways. Wastewater can have negative impacts on coral reefs and human health, primarily through transporting pathogens, nutrients, and contaminants into the ocean. It is estimated that 80% of wastewater globally is discharged into the environment without any treatment at all.  In addition to introducing Nature-based Solutions and how they combat wastewater pollution, Rob helps us work through how marine managers can make the case for Nature-based Solutions. These tips can be used to build support for Nature-based Solutions with your colleagues, partners, funders, and others, helping to implement low-cost, long-term solutions to wastewater pollution with lasting multiple benefits for us all.