FEMA Funding can Support Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigate Hazards and Improve Community Resilience

Earth Economics Explains How and Why in New Article

Parks, open spaces, and conservation lands help buffer U.S. communities from damages caused by hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural hazards — and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is beginning to recognize the role of such nature-based solutions to build community resilience, according to a recent article written by Earth Economics and published by the non-profit National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

Recent policy updates make it easier to access FEMA mitigation funding for land conservation (especially in floodplains) and other cost-effective nature-based solutions, such as post-wildfire restoration of forested lands, aquifer storage and recovery, wetland and riparian restoration, and green infrastructure. Cities, park agencies, and private nonprofit land trusts are eligible to apply for these funds, according to the article, published in NRPA’s monthly magazine, Parks & Recreation. FEMA is also placing greater emphasis on proactive investments before disasters occur, underscored by the 2018 Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA), which passed in Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. 


Earth Economics collaborates with partners around the world to include nature in economic decision-making through analysis of scientific and economic data. Contact us to discuss questions or your FEMA-related project ideas.

For more information, please contact Program Director Rowan Schmidt