Systems Approach to Geomorphic Engineering (SAGE)
The Systems Approach to Geomorphic Engineering (SAGE) program increases the knowledge, skills, and technical abilities to advance use of nature-based solutions (NBS) and green and gray hybrid alternative measures in water resources studies and projects. The SAGE program focuses on developing research and policies to better adapt and use natural systems to protect against a range of current natural hazard risks and predicted future conditions.
The SAGE program brings together experts and practitioners from federal and state government, national and international organizations, academia, and the private sector to:
• Promote the integration of green and gray solutions for coastal resilience.
• Encourage regional, landscape-scale planning.
• Implement actions associated with advancing policies that incentivize the use of natural and NBS.
• Improve communication, coordination, and collaboration across jurisdictions.
• Connect practitioners and existing groups working on natural infrastructure at all levels.
The SAGE program takes a comprehensive view on water resource management with the goal of increasing resilience for both people and nature. The systems approach principle of the SAGE program recognizes that resilience depends on local needs and conditions, and that it is crucial to consider the full spectrum of green and gray techniques that can be used and integrated within a watershed. The SAGE program focuses on solutions that maximize both flood risk management and ecological benefits, are informed by natural processes, and protect and enhance natural inland and coastal features when possible.
The SAGE program delivers a wide range of science, policy, and management resources to improve use of NBS for a more adaptable and resilient community:
Policy & Planning
The SAGE program supports the advancement of NBS through analyzing the agency’s historical policies and developing new guidance to better integrate NBS into USACE activities. Working with other federal agencies to align USACE policies and regulations with nationally supported NBS best practices, the SAGE program is leading the Corps to more holistic and adaptation-ready outcomes.
Technical Research
The integration of green and gray infrastructure into landscape transformation requires improved analyses that reflect the relationship between ecological and economic benefits. Drawing from an ever-improving understanding of best practices, the SAGE program develops a wide range of technical research focused on the design, performance, risk reduction, and long-term adaptation of NBS across inland and coastal settings. This research bridges the gaps between policy, planning, and implementation to best determine current and future successes of NBS in Civil Works projects.
Knowledge Exchange
Recognizing the value of connecting practitioners in a shared space, the SAGE program is an interdisciplinary multi-agency forum for people to share best practices, cultivate partnerships, and explore innovative ideas to address ongoing and emerging threats to coastal communities. This knowledge exchange is vital to accelerate the implementation of NBS in the United States and abroad by experts working on different scales of natural infrastructure.
Communications & Outreach
The SAGE program builds interdisciplinary collaboration across federal and nonfederal organizations to promote and accelerate the use of NBS in Civil Works projects. With its regional, national, and international partners, USACE facilitates discussions about lessons learned from previous efforts to design, plan, and implement NBS across a wide range of landscapes. The SAGE program is also focused on developing educational materials for practitioners and other interests to learn about and adopt NBS in their own communities.