What does CNSP mean in CERTIFICATIONS & DIPLOMAS

A Certified Natural Shoreline Professional (CNSP) is a professional that has been certified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide technical assistance with natural shoreline designs. They are valuable members of the coastal community and are perceptive of the need to create sustainable shorelines through proper ecological management and natural shoreline engineering techniques.

CNSPs utilize their knowledge and expertise regarding natural shoreline designs and coastal processes to assist clients with designing, implementing, maintaining, and enhancing projects that result in resilient shorelines. This involves responding to climate change, storm events, sea level rise, habitat restoration, permitting processes, as well as policy and finance strategies.

Professionals wishing to become Certified Natural Shoreline Professionals must have an extensive background in wetland or aquatic ecology; civil engineering; landscape architecture; geology; environmental science/management; or related disciplines which demonstrate their competence in understanding the complexity of coastal systems. In addition, they must possess at least two years of experience providing technical assistance with natural solutions for erosion control on coasts of rivers or streams.

Obtaining certification as a Certified Natural Shoreline Professional requires completion of a four-part training series delivered by NOAA-approved instructors. The four parts include introduction to natural shorelines principles and practices; site evaluations for robust shorelines; design of green infrastructure for robust shorelines; and low impact development for robust shorelines. Once completed successfully, applicants can sit for the examination which tests knowledge and abilities related to design implementation of natural solutions along coasts worldwide.

CNSP certifications are valid for three years from the date it is granted upon successful completion of all portions of the training series including passing the examination. After three years have passed since being granted certification, an individual will be required to undergo a recertification process which includes re-sitting for the exam if necessary or demonstrating 50 hours of continuing education related to coastal issues within their practice specialty areas since last receiving certification status.

Projects that involve developing robust resilient coastlines through maximizing natural features such as marshes, dunes, rockshore/cliffside stabilization methods using environmentally friendly materials would benefit from working with an experienced professional such as a Certified Natural Shoreline Professional (CNSP). Examples may include beach nourishment projects aiming at abating coastal erosion or buffer zone remainder planting schemes near urban developments bordering mature wetlands.

Any individual or organization involved in development activities near riparian ecosystems should consider hiring a Certified Natural Shoreline Professional (CNSP). This includes organizations such as local governments (municipalities), land trust organizations, park agencies or non-profits looking to undertake projects requiring thoughtful consideration incorporating ecological principles into design objectives.

No! Usually consulting services provided by professionals such as Certified Natural Shoreline Professionals often provide substantial cost savings compared to traditional riparian development approaches due to reducing construction costs as less hard armoring is typically required when utilizing natural features over engineered structures.