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Data and code from: A global meta-analysis demonstrating the effectiveness of nature-based coastal protection

Smith, Carter1; Arrington, Morgan1; Brenner, Catherine1; Gittman, Rachel2; Valdez, Stephanie1

Published Nov 04, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.37pvmcw03

Data files

Nov 04, 2026 version files 324.09 KB

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Abstract

This dataset includes the data and code needed to replicate all analyses and figure generation for the publication: "A global meta-analysis on the effectiveness of nature-based coastal protection interventions".

There is growing global interest in using nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Yet, widescale implementation is hindered by existing uncertainty about the general effectiveness and ecological benefits of these approaches. To address this uncertainty, we conducted a global meta-analysis of 43 peer-reviewed studies investigating nature-based coastal protection (NBCP) approaches, a subset of nature-based solutions that combine hard structures with biogenic habitats, to determine whether they are effective at reducing shoreline erosion while safeguarding species abundance and diversity. We found that NBCP approaches were effective at reducing erosion, providing superior erosion reduction when compared to natural reference shorelines and similar erosion protection when compared to conventional shoreline protection approaches (i.e., bulkheads, riprap revetments). Additionally, unlike conventional shoreline protection approaches, which have been previously shown to have ecological consequences, we found that NBCP approaches supported higher species abundance and similar diversity to natural reference shorelines. Altogether, our findings support the adoption of NBCP approaches as a viable alternative to conventional shoreline protection infrastructure.