In this paper, we describe a community-based approach to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), focusing on the Hull Bay Coral and Mangrove Restoration Workshop held on March 2, 2024. Designed as a collaborative platform using community-based, participatory research methods, the workshop brought together community leaders, fishers, restoration practitioners, and agency personnel to co-produce knowledge and explore culturally- responsive strategies for coral and mangrove recovery. The workshop is part of a broader interdisciplinary research agenda grounded in the co-development of NbS to address complex social-ecological challenges associated with climate change. The workshop functioned as a dynamic site of engagement and learning, where participants shared observations on coral reef and mangrove degradation, voiced concerns about existing restoration efforts, and advocated for locally-driven solutions. Key findings include participants' emphasis on the importance of ecological function (particularly fisheries habitat, shoreline protection, and ecosystem resilience) over extractive tourism-centered benefits, the desire for deeper engagement with local ecological knowledge, implementation of programs that engage younger generations, and the development of co-management frameworks that prioritize local autonomy. Using qualitative data from workshop notes, participant feedback, and thematic analysis, this study contributes to a growing body of literature calling for transformative, inclusive, and collaborative NbS. It highlights how community workshops can foster inclusive governance, empower historically underrepresented voices, generate context-specific knowledge that complements scientific approaches, and reinforces community members' sense of place and marine identity. This research demonstrates that participatory workshops are not just outreach tools but critical interventions for reimagining NbS through relational, interdisciplinary, and community-oriented lenses. As coral reefs and mangrove forests face mounting pressures from climate change, this case study offers insights into how community-grounded efforts in the USVI can inform more fair, accessible, and resilient restoration practices across the Caribbean and beyond.
Grace-McCaskey et al. (Thu,) studied this question.