Just Imagine SWLA: Coastal Flood Risk Reduction

In light of the growing challenges posed by sea level rise, frequent hurricanes, and storm surges, Just Imagine SWLA’s Coastal Flood Risk Reduction catalytic project aims to protect Southwest Louisiana’s vulnerable coastlines and communities.

To gain insight into the impact of these efforts, we spoke with Kara Bonsall, Director of Coastal Affairs for the Cameron Parish Police Jury. In this Q&A, Bonsall sheds light on the importance of coastal flood risk reduction, the role of local ecosystems in protecting the region, and how residents can support vital coastal restoration initiatives that safeguard the future of our community.

What are Southwest Louisiana’s most pressing coastal flood risks, and how does Just Imagine SWLA’s Coastal Flood Risk Reduction project aim to address these issues? With sea level rise and more frequent, higher-intensity tropical storms and hurricanes, storm surge is the most pressing coastal flood risk. Having experienced more frequent hurricanes in recent years has led to a new vision and plan that would reduce loss of life and property damage from devastating storms and coastal flooding. SWLA’s Coastal Flood Risk Reduction project aims to make communities more resilient by reducing the impact of surge events, sea level rise, and land loss. This project can be achieved by adding structural protection of a storm surge protection system that reduces the risk associated with storm surge events, lowers flood insurance, and reduces fear of future sea level rise and hurricanes, resulting in increased investment and prosperity for all SWLA.

How does coastal restoration contribute to the overall resilience of our community against natural disasters and climate change? Because of the changing environment, timely planning and application of impactful coastal restoration projects affect the sustainability, economic impact, and overall effectiveness of our communities.

What role do local ecosystems, such as wetlands and barrier islands, play in flood risk reduction, and how are they being preserved or restored through these projects? Along the coast, habitats like barrier islands and marshes help buffer the mainland from erosion and damage due to storms and flooding. These wetland habitats act as natural sponges absorbing and temporarily storing flood waters from storms and slowing its flow, which can significantly reduce flooding. But these habitats – and the protection they provide – are disappearing at an alarming rate. Some of the most dramatic losses are occurring here in Southwest Louisiana, averaging more than 50 feet each year. Implementation of shoreline protection projects, often called the “First Line of Defense,” along the gulf shorelines of Cameron Parish has been a priority as these rock breakwaters have proven success within a short duration of being implemented. These structures not only slow the wave action but reduce shoreline retreat, enhance fisheries habitat, and promote sediment accretion which is a natural process that restores itself.

Can you explain the economic and social benefits of investing in coastal restoration for Southwest Louisiana in the short and long term? Implementing projects sooner provides greater long-term value. Delaying coastal restoration projects not only postpones the benefits to ecosystems and communities but also diminishes those potential benefits. To get the most from these projects, we need to consider the dynamics of coastal ecosystems, the timing of our investments, and how changes to the implementation timeframe impact benefits received by our communities.

How can residents and local businesses get involved in supporting or participating in coastal restoration efforts to help ensure the success of these initiatives? Be an advocate for coastal restoration! We need the locals to unite and be public advocates. It’s not just local leadership but volunteers who make the difference. Together, we can share a clear message of the need to prioritize coastal restoration, protect coastal restoration funding, and continue implementing restoration plans that protect our communities and provide a sustainable future for the people, businesses, and industries that call Southwest Louisiana HOME.

To learn more about Coastal Flood Risk Reduction and additional projects transforming Southwest Louisiana, visit justimagineswla.org.