The Challenge
The Mississippi River Delta Region in South Louisiana faces interconnected social, environmental, and economic challenges. With a 33% poverty rate, racial and economic inequalities, and limited healthcare and education access, residents struggle amid shifting industries like farming, manufacturing, and fishing, leading to unemployment and population decline.
Environmental concerns are significant, particularly along "Cancer Alley," where petrochemical plants release toxic chemicals, posing health risks to low-income, predominantly African American communities. Additionally, rapid wetland loss, coastal erosion, habitat changes, and water quality issues are exacerbated by climate change, increasing hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.
Nature-based solutions offer a promising approach to these challenges. By restoring wetlands and coastal habitats, they can mitigate land loss, enhance flood protection, and improve climate resilience by absorbing storm surges and sequestering carbon. When integrated into a regional strategy, these solutions can also create economic opportunities, including green jobs, helping to diversify the local economy and reduce reliance on polluting industries.As petrochemical industries remain a strong presence, nature-based solutions must work alongside them to improve environmental and community well-being.
You are invited to explore innovative approaches to ensure a sustainable, resilient future for the Mississippi River Delta Region. Will you join the Challenge?
Find out more
“We are still overwhelmed how much it changed our lives in such a short time. The chances offered to students all around the world through the competition are unique and truly amazing.”
Fabiola - winner ReThink Protein '1
“Participating in the Challenge has been transformative, pushing us to innovate and integrate nature-based solutions in ways we hadn’t imagined.”
Delta Green Team-finalists NBF Challenge’1
“Overall, it was a challenging project that required a lot of effort, but the experience was rewarding. Learning from peers, sharing ideas, and supporting each other along the way made it both valuable and memorable.”
Team Naturise- finalist NBF Challenge’1
“It was a pleasure to join this inspiring journey toward a nature-based future, led by the next generation. It brings hope, showing how students worldwide collaborate to tackle society’s challenges with positivity.”
Bertram de Rooij- coach, Wageningen University & Research
What is in it for me?
The Nature-based Future Challenge is more than just a competition. It offers a unique opportunity to create a positive impact and put theory into practice.
By participating in the Challenge, you will receive guidance from experts in both the business world and academia. They will assist you in developing your vision for Mississippi River Delta and may even open doors to potential job opportunities. Throughout the Challenge, you will engage in a series of workshops designed to enhance your skills and expand your knowledge. And, if you make it to the finals, you will get exposure for your solution.
In short, you will learn more about the topics related to nature-based thinking, grow professionally and make friends for life.
This Challenge will boost your career and empower you to create change!
Yes, I want to register!Prizes
2nd place
€2.000,-
1st place
€9.000,-
3rd place
€1000,-
Who can participate?
The Challenge welcomes students from universities and universities of applied sciences worldwide, in all phases of their studies (BSc, MSc, PhD or equivalent). Students with various study backgrounds are encouraged to participate, including but not limited to Landscape Architecture, Spatial Planning, Forestry, (Organic) Agriculture, Nature Conservation, Environmental Sciences, and Land, Water, Urban, and Marine Resources Management.
To participate in the Challenge, it is mandatory to form an interdisciplinary team. The team composition should include members with diverse areas of expertise, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling the assignment. It is crucial to have at least one team member with a background in design.
I am in!How to enroll?
Register individually before 17 November 2025. To secure your participation in the Challenge, you need to form a team consisting of at least 2 members. Complete your team profile before 9 January 2026. The team profile consists of the name, logo, and description of your team. The Challenge will kick-off on 13 January 2026.
How does the Challenge work?
The Nature- based Future Challenge consists of three rounds. At the end of each round, there is a selection moment; only the top teams will make it to the next round.
17 November 2025
2 December 2025
13 January 2026
20 February 2026
17 April 2026
2 June 2026