After receiving an inspiring array of submissions from across the world, from the Netherlands to China, Brazil, Mexico, and beyond, the organizing committee of the “Coastal Visions” Global Coastal Photography Award is thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s competition.

Jointly launched by Future Earth Coasts (FEC), the Mega-Delta Programme of the UN Ocean Decade, and CROSS Coastz of the UN Science Decade, this global initiative invited photographers, scientists, and citizens to capture the vitality and future of coasts through their lens. Each image tells a story of coexistence between people and the sea, the dynamic power of nature, and the urgent need to sustain our coastal environments.

After careful review and deliberation, here are the winners of the 2025 “Coastal Visions” Award:

🥇1st Place

• Title: Coastal Energy
  Author: Roos Daemen
  Date Taken: September 15, 2025
  Location: Scheveningen, The Netherlands
• Description: Scheveningen, one of the Netherlands’ most iconic beaches, comes alive under powerful gusts of 50 km/h. As windsurfers and kitesurfers embrace the raw energy of the sea, the scene captures humanity’s enduring dialogue with nature—absorbing, adapting, and harmonizing with its force.

• Title: Tidal Trace
  Author: Xiang Qiu
  Date Taken: August 28, 2024
  Location: Sunshine Coast Greenway, Rizhao, Shandong Province, China
• Description: When the tide recedes, a magnificent tree-like pattern emerges on the sand—nature’s artwork shaped by tidal and land flows. “Tide” and “Trace” together symbolize movement, memory, and reflection, offering endless space for imagination and interpretation.

🥈 2nd Place

• Title: Facing the Storm
  Author: Matilde Stolfa
  Location: Wadden Sea, The Netherlands
• Description: Part of the “Shifting Tides” series, this photo captures scientists conducting fieldwork in the Dutch Wadden Sea as a storm approach. It’s a tribute to the perseverance behind climate and ecological research—where data begins with dedication in the field.

• Title: Christmas
  Author: Matteo Convertino
  Location: Kouri Island, Okinawa, Japan
• Description: A close-up of a Christmas tree worm (Spirobranchus giganteus) reveals the dazzling hues of marine life—a vivid testament to the beauty and health of coral ecosystems.

• Title: Tree and Floating Boat
  Author: Li Yang
  Location: Bailique Archipelago, Amazon River Estuary, Brazil
• Description: A solitary tree reaches for the sky as two boats rest quietly offshore—an image evoking the poetic stillness of “a boat idling by the wild ferry,” merging field research with natural serenity.

🥉 3rd Place

• Title: Enquanto a COP não vem (While COP Hasn’t Come Yet)
  Author: Isadora Timbó
  Location: Belém do Pará, Brazil
• Description: Amid daily coastal life, fishing boats tell stories of resilience and heritage. As global climate talks unfold elsewhere, these communities continue to adapt—living the challenges and hopes of climate change firsthand.

• Title: Ephemeral Tidal Landscape
  Author: María del Refugio Muciño Reyes
  Location: Dzilam de Bravo, Yucatán, México
• Description: Patterns formed by seagrass remnants along the shore reveal the rhythm of the tides—ephemeral marks that embody the sea’s continuous shaping of the coastal world.

• Title: Boundary
  Author: Qinzi Cheng
  Location: Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, USA
• Description: This image of California’s eroded arches captures the dynamic interplay of waves, rock, and life—where erosion and renewal compose a coastal symphony between nature and humanity.

• Title: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
  Author: Yuan Xiong
  Location: Mai Po, Hong Kong, China
• Description: Rain-drenched mangroves envelop a tranquil waterway, their deep green hues forming a living gateway into the secret world of wetlands.

• Title: Double Rainbow
  Author: Jiaheng Yuan
  Location: Dongtan Wetland, Yangtze River Estuary, Shanghai, China
• Description: A rare double rainbow stretches across the tidal flats—nature’s fleeting celebration of beauty and good fortune, captured during fieldwork in the estuary wetlands.

Honorable Mentions

• “A Change of Perspective Getting Closer to the Baltic Sea” by Chiara D’Agata
• “Red Saltmarsh” by Wenhao Hou
• “To the Horizon Where Sun Meets Sea” by Bentao Li
• “Make Room for Mangrove” by Peixian Li
• “Pages of the Intertidal Zone” by Xiaoyu Zhang

Congratulations to all our winners and heartfelt thanks to every participant who shared their vision of coastal life and resilience. Together, your works illuminate the beauty, complexity, and future of our global coasts.

Stay tuned for the “Coastal Visions” Global Coastal Photography Award Exhibition at the 4th Mega-Delta Meeting: International Conference on Dialogue between Land and Sea (October 19-22, Shanghai, China), featuring the showcased works of our award winners.

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Dr. Tom Wegener, internationally recognized surfboard designer, environmental advocate, and Noosa Shire Councillor, delivered a keynote highlighting surfing as a cultural movement rooted in coastal and ocean stewardship. Drawing on his PhD research and decades of experience, he showcased the resilience of surf culture—from ancient Hawaiian Alaya boards to local surfboard-making traditions—and the role of surfers as frontline witnesses to coastal pollution and advocates for change. Examples from Hainan, China, illustrated community-led beach clean-ups, recycled surf products, and the preservation of cultural heritage through board-making.

The session also explored surfing’s link to governance and policy, including integrating surf breaks into coastal legislation, balancing tourism with environmental protection, and using surfing reserves for conservation and sustainable development. Global case studies—from Papua New Guinea to the Maldives and West Africa—demonstrated how surfing initiatives can advance equity, cultural preservation, and environmental justice, highlighting the sport’s wider impact on society and ecosystems.

The Q&A session, moderated by Professor Josef Gregory Mahoney of East China Normal University, opened up a rich discussion on the broader implications of surf culture. Participants raised questions on how surf breaks could be safeguarded as cultural and ecological heritage within coastal governance, and how surfing reserves might balance environmental protection with tourism-driven economies. Issues of equity and inclusion were also highlighted, with examples such as Papua New Guinea’s women-led surfing initiatives sparking dialogue on how similar models could empower communities elsewhere. Dr. Wegener emphasized that connecting grassroots surf activism with policy instruments and global sustainability agendas is essential, while Professor Mahoney drew attention to the need for bridging local knowledge, academic research, and decision-making processes.

This event underscored how surf culture—through shared identity, community engagement, and advocacy—offers powerful pathways to protect coasts and oceans while empowering local communities in the face of climate change and global uncertainty.

This webinar is part of the Future Earth-funded cross-cutting initiative “Building Future Leadership: A Coastal Sustainability Value Chain”—an effort dedicated to empowering Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). We are actively expanding our network, and you are welcome to apply to participate in our workshops and training programs, or to partner with us to co-host events, provide resources, or contribute research expertise. To get involved, please visit our website or contact fecchina@ecnu.edu.cn.

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Organized by:

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TALK

• Understanding Coastal Resilience in a Changing Climate

Andrew Fielding, Senior Environmental Consultant, JB Pacific, Australia

Sea level rise is one of the most significant challenges facing coastal communities, intensifying the risks of flooding, erosion, and long-term habitat loss. This presentation will explore the use of simulation libraries to assess the impacts of sea level rise and support resilience planning.

These libraries use modelling to simulate the extent, depth, and duration of coastal inundation. They are designed to be flexible, supporting both detailed local studies that capture place-specific vulnerabilities and broader analyses that highlight large-scale exposure patterns. With further development, the libraries have strong potential to inform emergency response, guide infrastructure planning, and support community preparedness by providing timely, actionable insights into future flood risks.

By translating complex modelling outputs into accessible information, the simulations provide a practical basis for decision-making. They can help identify critical infrastructure at risk, guide adaptation planning, and support community engagement by making future scenarios more tangible.

The presentation will highlight the capabilities and applications of these tools and discuss how simulation libraries can bridge the gap between climate science and practical resilience strategies, strengthening long-term preparedness for sea level rise in a changing climate.

Our Speaker

Andrew Fielding

Andrew is an experienced environmental consultant with extensive experience in hydraulic modelling, flood risk management, and economic assessments. Since joining the JBA Group in 2014, he has worked across local and international projects, including national flood mapping, strategic risk assessments, and innovative natural flood management (NFM) solutions. He is proficient in modelling packages such as TUFLOW and JFlow, delivering high-quality analysis for flood studies and hazard evaluations.

Andrew also brings expertise in flood risk economics, supporting option development through integrated technical and cost-benefit assessments. As a skilled project manager, he has successfully led multidisciplinary teams under challenging timelines while maintaining technical excellence.

Since relocating to Australia from the UK in 2024, Andrew has applied his expertise to coastal and estuarine risk projects, including the Southern Estuaries Tidal Study and emergency response modelling following Tropical Cyclone Alfred. His work supports councils in assessing sea level rise, tidal inundation, and catchment–coast dynamics. Through scenario-based risk modelling and adaptation planning, Andrew provides practical, science-led advice to help coastal communities build resilience to climate change.

Registration

The event is free to attend and open to all. It will take place at 03:00 AM to 04:00 AM UTC on October 10.

Click here to register:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/7RuhvaZ/Registration.

Or scan the QR code below to register:

This seminar series is part of the Future Earth-funded cross-cutting initiative “Meta-Network” – a collaborative platform connecting science, policy, and practice to advance coastal and marine sustainability. We welcome new partners from academia, NGOs, government, and industry to join us in co-creating inclusive, science-driven solutions. Get involved by contacting fecchina@ecnu.edu.cn.

The post FEC-SIMSEA Youth Joint Seminar: Understanding Coastal Resilience in a Changing Climate appeared first on Future Earth Coasts.

—Capture the Vitality and Future of Coasts Through Your Vision

To highlight the natural beauty, ecological value, and human imprint on estuaries and coasts worldwide—and to promote the global vision of coastal sustainability, Future Earth Coasts (FEC), the “Mega-Delta Programme” of the UN Ocean Decade, and “CROSS Coastz” of the UN Science Decade are proud to jointly launch the “Coastal Visions” Global Coastal Photography Award.

We warmly invite photography enthusiasts, scientists, students, and citizens from around the world who care about estuaries and coasts to take part. Through your lens, share the diverse faces and compelling stories of our coasts.

Photography Themes
Entries should relate to one or more of the following themes:

• Coastal natural landscapes
• Coastal hazard and pollution
• Practices in sustainable coastal management
• Human–coast harmony and coexistence
• Documentation of scientific research, field sampling, community engagement, etc.

The geographical focus is global estuaries and coasts. Submissions highlighting the 25 major estuarine deltas under the Mega-Delta Programme (e.g., Yangtze, Yellow River, Pearl River, Nile, Mississippi; see Figure 1) are especially encouraged.

Figure 1: Global distribution of major deltas in the “Mega-Delta Programme”

Submission Requirements

• Format: Photographs
• Content: Authentic, original, and theme-based; must have strong visual impact or scientific/documentary value. Photos may be taken at any time (no time limit).
• File type: JPG digital files
• Editing: Basic adjustments (brightness, contrast, color) are acceptable. Composite images, stitching, or manipulations that alter the original content are not allowed.
• Description: Each entry must include：Author’s name, Date taken, Location, Description (50–200 words: background story, scientific significance, or personal reflection)
• Submission

1. Email: fecchina@ecnu.edu.cn
2. Email subject line: Name – Affiliation (if applicable) – Title of Work
3. Submission period: September 10, 2025 – September 25, 2025

Awards and Exhibition

• Prizes:
  – First Prize: 1–2 winners
  – Second Prize: 2–3 winners
  – Third Prize: 3–5 winners
  – Special Recognition Awards: several
• Winning works will be showcased at the 4th Mega-Delta Meeting: International Conference on Dialogue between Land and Sea (October 19–22, 2025, Shanghai).
• Selected entries will be promoted worldwide via the FEC official website, social media, and more.
• Winners will receive a certificate of honor and commemorative gifts.
• Outstanding contributors may be invited to participate in FEC international exchange events.

Background

Future Earth Coasts (FEC) is a global research network of Future Earth with nearly 40 years of history. It is dedicated to supporting healthy coasts and oceans for a just and environmentally sustainable future by promoting the deep integration of science and policy to advance the sustainable development of coastal zones.

The “Mega-Delta Programme”, one of FEC’s core working groups initiated by the State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research at East China Normal University, has been endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). The programme brings together 39 institutions from 22 countries to collaboratively address the environmental and developmental challenges facing delta regions.

The programme “Connecting Rivers & Oceans for Sustainable Solutions in the Coastal Zone (CROSS Coastz),” led by the State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research (SKLEC) at East China Normal University, has been officially recognized as one of the first endorsed initiatives of the UN Science Decade. It brings together over 120 experts from more than 40 institutions across six continents. The programme spans a wide range of interdisciplinary research fields, including hydro-sediment dynamics, sedimentary geomorphology, marine biogeochemistry, coastal wetland ecology, data informatics, and coastal engineering.

This event aims to connect science and the public through the power of imagery, showcase the value and resilience of coasts, and promote global coastal protection and sustainable development.

Learn More

• Future Earth Coasts: https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/
• UN Ocean Decade “Mega-Delta Programme”: https://delta.ecnu.edu.cn/
• UN Science Decade “CROSS Coastz”: https://www.un-sciences-decade.org/en/node/40

📷 Through your lens, the coast endures. We look forward to your submissions and to collectively shaping the future narrative of our coasts.

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Coastal Adaptation Meeting participants. Pictured, from left to right: Charles Lemckert, Dominique Bérubé, Robert Briggs, Rosmarie Lohnes, Garret Mombourquette, Susan Lang-Lemckert, Donald Forbes, Heath Kelsey, Mitch Maracle, Jeff Ollerhead, Gavin Manson, and Nicholas Winkler. (Source: https://ian.umces.edu/blog/international-coastal-adaptation-perspectives/）

The gathering brought together colleagues from around the world to exchange perspectives and strategies for addressing global coastal challenges. Fifteen invited participants, including scientists, practitioners, managers, and Indigenous representatives from Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Mi’kmaw Nation, the United States, and the West Indies shared their insights on coastal climate adaptation.

Over three days, participants identified key issues, challenges, and pathways forward. The event also included a local meeting with the Pugwash community, where discussions and outcomes were shared, and valuable local perspectives were gathered.

Read reflections from FEC IPO-US Director Heath Kelsey below or visit here: https://ian.umces.edu/blog/international-coastal-adaptation-perspectives/.

International Coastal Adaptation Perspectives

Heath Kelsey · 3 September 2025

I was lucky enough to be invited to a meeting at Thinkers Lodge in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, in August this year, as part of their continuing commitment to support meetings that address science and societal issues. Our goal for this meeting was to discuss international responses to climate change in coastal communities. Fifteen scientists, practitioners, managers, and indigenous representatives from Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Mi’kmaw Nation, USA, and the West Indies were invited to share their perspectives on coastal climate adaptation. Over three days of meetings, we identified key issues, challenges, and ways forward. We also convened a local meeting to share our discussions with the Pugwash community and to solicit their valuable insights.

We discussed issues related to changing ice conditions in the Arctic, cyclone impacts in Australia, hurricanes in the West Indies, and societal implications of adaptation in the USA. One issue that came up frequently was around the challenge of coastal erosion. Erosion of coastal land is a nearly universal issue affecting homes, agricultural areas, and urbanized areas in coastal areas worldwide. We heard about coastal erosion in Australia, Canada, and the West Indies. This reflects IAN’s experiences: Erosion is a priority issue in many (most?) of the coastal communities we work with globally.

 

Although some key issues (like erosion) were commonly observed, a key takeaway from our discussions was that coastal adaptation issues and strategies are locally specific. The need for adaptation is widespread, but every location has unique challenges related to changing coastal conditions, so relevant and useful adaptation strategies are, and will continue to be, different in different places. Every location has different physical features, and locally variable relative sea level rise, storm frequency, air and water temperature, and precipitation patterns. Even areas that are relatively close together may have very different needs. For example, as local community members pointed out, the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia experiences 16.8 meter tides, while the nearby Gulf of St. Lawrence in the same county has smaller tides (less than 2 meters) and different features and uses. Farther north, changing ice formation and conditions affect the safety and mobility of indigenous communities that rely on ice for transportation. While it may be tempting to try to identify climate adaptation responses that are broadly applicable, there are no “one-size-fits-all” solutions, only locally relevant strategies (thank you Rosemarie Lohnes for that distinction!).

 

On the last day of our meeting, we experienced some of the unique settings in the Canadian maritime coast first hand through field visits to Tidnish Dock Provincial Park, and Baie Vertre contrasted with Chignetco Bay (upper Bay of Fundy) at Aulac in New Brunswick. We saw ongoing shoreline erosion and multiple types of erosion and flood control strategies. Each place we visited highlighted important differences in adaptation priorities, as well as the options for addressing them. Special thanks to Dr. Jeff Ollerhead for the insightful history and context for our journey!

 

Another theme of our discussions seemed especially relevant in light of current support for science and the use of scientific evidence in environmental policy. All of our discussions started from a foundation of scientific inquiry, which provided insights to problems and potential strategies. Some of those strategies might be convenient and easy, but many will be inconvenient, difficult, or expensive. Even when solutions are elusive and responses are difficult, I find a certain reassurance that scientific knowledge can help us describe what’s happening and what we might do about it. Even if we choose not to use it, the science is there regardless. I can’t describe why that provides me comfort, but it does.

In the coming weeks, the group will co-create a statement that captures what we learned together and how we will continue in the future. I sincerely look forward to continuing this work.

 

As we went through our discussions, I also thought about the significance of the venue and its link to science and society. In fact, Thinkers Lodge has an impressive history. In 1955, shortly before his death, Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russel, and nine other prominent scientists issued what has become known as the Russel-Einstein Manifesto. At the height of the Cold War, the Manifesto challenged scientists from the east and west to meet to promote peace and prevent the use of nuclear weapons in war. The first such conference was held at Thinkers Lodge in July 1957, sponsored by Pugwash native, industrialist Cyrus Eaton. That first meeting included scientists from the USSR, Japan, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Austria, China, France, and Poland. It is truly remarkable that this group was able to meet face-to-face at all during the Cold War, especially to discuss issues as sensitive as nuclear weapons. Outcomes from this first meeting set the stage for the Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963, which banned nuclear weapons testing in the atmosphere, underwater, and in space.

 

The 1995 Nobel Peace Prize was jointly awarded to the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs and Joseph Rotblat, who was one of the signatories of the Manifesto, for efforts that began at that 1957 meeting. Subsequent meetings have occurred regularly at different venues worldwide, and the Lodge has become iconic as a symbol of peace and scientific reflection. The award is on display at the Thinkers Lodge lobby. It was inspiring to be have our meeting in such a storied location.

 

Special and heartfelt thanks to Teresa Kewachuk and all of the Thinkers Lodge staff and volunteers who made our visit so comfortable, fun, and delicious! We were treated to family recipes for lobster rolls, seafood chowder, and a host of other local delicacies, all delicious and special. Thank you for making our visit so delightful. And, of course, thanks to Drs. Don Forbes and Gavin Manson for organizing such a great week.

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The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Brisneve Edullantes, Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Cebu, whose research focuses on environmental biology and microalgal ecophysiology. Dr. Edullantes highlighted the pivotal role of phytoplankton in global primary production, oxygen generation, and carbon cycling, while emphasizing their vulnerability to rising temperatures and ocean acidification. These stressors are driving shifts in phytoplankton biogeographic ranges, and contributing to the increased frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms, with cascading impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Through observational studies, laboratory and mesocosm experiments, ecological niche modeling, and participatory research, Dr. Edullantes demonstrated how multiple approaches can reveal the adaptability—and fragility—of phytoplankton communities under climate change. Key findings from his work showed that:

• Temperature strongly regulates phytoplankton growth and toxin production, with warming altering interspecific competition and community composition.
• Modeling approaches project shifts in species distributions and increased occurrence of harmful algal blooms in tropical regions under future scenarios.
• Collaboration across disciplines, from remote sensing to molecular biology, is essential to build predictive models and guide conservation.

The Q&A and Call to Action sessions engaged participants from across the region, who raised questions on research design, modeling applications, and opportunities for collaboration. Early-career researchers reflected on how to frame focused research questions, apply experimental and modeling tools, and link phytoplankton studies with higher trophic levels such as fisheries and food web dynamics. The discussion also emphasized the importance of long-term monitoring, interdisciplinary teamwork, and ensuring that research outputs inform management strategies and stakeholder needs.

This joint youth seminar reaffirmed the importance of building research capacity among the next generation of marine scientists and underscored how climate change biology can guide adaptive strategies for sustaining ocean ecosystems.

This seminar series is part of the Future Earth-funded cross-cutting initiative “Meta-Network” – a collaborative platform connecting science, policy, and practice to advance coastal and marine sustainability. We welcome new partners from academia, NGOs, government, and industry to join us in co-creating inclusive, science-driven solutions. Get involved by contacting fecchina@ecnu.edu.cn.

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Dive into Surf Culture and Coastal Futures!

Future Earth Coasts (FEC) invites you to an inspiring hybrid seminar, “Surf Culture: Collectively Supporting Coastal Futures”, featuring Dr. Tom Wegener，an internationally recognized surfboard designer, environmental advocate, and elected Noosa Shire Councillor from Queensland, Australia. On September 28th, 2025 (02:00–03:00 UTC), join us to explore how surfing, once seen simply as a sport, has become a global movement shaping coastal conservation and community resilience.

This engaging session will delve into the expanding influence of surf communities worldwide and their growing role as environmental stewards. Dr. Wegener will share insights from his PhD research and on-the-ground advocacy, illustrating how surf culture fosters a shared identity centered around respect for the ocean and local environments.

This webinar is ideal for researchers, environmental activists, policy makers, and anyone interested in community-driven conservation, sustainable blue economies, and the intersection of sports and advocacy.

Event Details

Date & Time: September 28, 2025, 02:00 AM – 03:00 AM UTC

Venue (hybrid):

• In-person: Room A204, SKLEC Building, East China Normal University, Shanghai
• Online: Zoom (link provided upon registration)

Moderator: Dr Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor of Politics at East China Normal University, China

Registration:

• In-person participation: Register via QR code below (in-person attendance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register early to secure your spot)：

• Online participants: Scan QR code below or visit here.

TALK

• Surf Culture: Collectively Supporting Coastal Futures

Surfing communities are expanding worldwide, bringing with them a strong commitment to protecting coastlines. The global surfing community can engage with Future Earth Coasts (FEC) members to raise awareness and drive action for safeguarding coastal areas.

There are an estimated 35 million active surfers, not including those who identify more broadly as surfers—such as ocean swimmers, body surfers, and belly boarders. Some experts believe this figure is very low. Surfing is growing rapidly in countries including China, South Korea, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico. In South Korea, for example, there were reportedly only a few surfers in 2007; today there are around 20,000 active surfers, with 1.2 million more having tried surfing through Learn To Surf schools. This growth marks a significant cultural shift.

Research shows that surfers share a cultural identity, reflected in practices such as owning locally made surfboards. Unlike other sports equipment, surfboards are closely tied to community and personal identity. This tradition supports thousands of small surfboard manufacturers worldwide and highlights the resilience of local surf culture.

This shared identity also extends to environmental custodianship. Surfers are often the first to feel the impacts of pollution and coastal degradation and are active supporters of groups such as the Surfrider Foundation. This presentation explores the strength of Surf Culture and how surfers, united by community and identity, can be harnessed to collectively support coastal futures.

OUR SPEAKER

Dr Tom Wegener

Dr Tom Wegener is an internationally recognized surfboard designer, author, and environmental advocate. He is currently serving a second term as an elected official; Noosa Shire Councillor, Queensland, Australia. Tom has participated in the growing collaboration among surfing communities to advocate for the environment. Surfers acknowledge they are custodians of the coastal waters and are using their political power to make change. For example, the Surfrider Foundation with Surfers for Climate and others, have successfully stopped mining operations in the waters of South Australia and are advocating to stop all mining in coastal waters of Australia. Dr Wegener is supporting surfers to continue their coastal environment advocacy by working with the many organizations that are in this field like the Coastal Biosphere Reserve Network and the Future Earth Coasts (FEC).

This webinar is part of the Future Earth-funded cross-cutting initiative “Building Future Leadership: A Coastal Sustainability Value Chain”—an effort dedicated to empowering Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). We are actively expanding our network, and you are welcome to apply to participate in our workshops and training programs, or to partner with us to co-host events, provide resources, or contribute research expertise. To get involved, please visit our website or contact fecchina@ecnu.edu.cn.

The post Join FEC Webinar: Explore How Global Surf Culture Powers Coastal Conservation appeared first on Future Earth Coasts.

The programme “Connecting Rivers & Oceans for Sustainable Solutions in the Coastal Zone (CROSS Coastz)”, led by the State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research (SKLEC) at East China Normal University, has been officially selected as one of the first 25 endorsed Programmes under the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). This recognition marks another significant milestone in SKLEC’s international engagement, following the selection of its Mega-Delta Programme in 2021 as one of the first 28 endorsed Programmes under the UN’s Ocean Decade.

The resolution for the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033)” (referred to as the “Science Decade”) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in August 2023. Its objective is to harness the power of science, enhance global cooperation, and accelerate progress towards sustainable development. To implement this initiative, UNESCO launched a global call for proposals in October 2023. After a rigorous evaluation process, CROSS Coastz was endorsed as one of the Programmes in the initial endorsement cycle.

The endorsement of CROSS Coastz is a testament to China’s growing scientific leadership and global influence in promoting sustainability in coastal zones. It also underscores SKLEC’s leading role in advancing global coastal environmental governance and responding to climate change.

Focusing on Coastal Science Frontiers to Tackle Global Change

Coastal zones, where land meets sea, are among the most vulnerable regions to global environmental change. They are increasingly threatened by sea-level rise, extreme climate events, and human-induced impacts such as sediment imbalance, erosion, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. CROSS Coastz directly addresses these pressing global challenges, aiming to deepen scientific understanding of land-ocean interactions and to develop safe, sustainable pathways for environmental protection and societal resilience in coastal areas.

Driving Coastal Sustainability Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Integrating approaches from both the natural and social sciences, CROSS Coastz conducts systematic research on coastal geomorphological evolution, ecosystem functions, resource management, and socio-economic dynamics. The initiative targets major issues including coastal erosion, flooding, storm surges, water pollution, and ecological degradation. It promotes open science, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sectoral collaboration, with the goal of developing comprehensive solutions that unite climate adaptation, ecological restoration, and disaster prevention. These efforts aim to enhance the safety, well-being, and resilience of coastal communities while fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

Building a Global Research Network to Empower Scientific Decision-Making and International Cooperation

To launch CROSS Coastz, SKLEC built on its strong international scientific networks, including Future Earth Coasts (FEC) and Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR), and collaborated with partners such as Delft University of Technology (Netherlands), Louisiana State University (USA), University of Chittagong (Bangladesh), University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and University of São Paulo (Brazil). Looking ahead, CROSS Coastz will continue to expand its global collaboration network through platforms such as the UN Ocean Decade Mega-Delta Programme, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory for “Green Mega Deltas”, International Joint Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Shanghai. The initiative will develop open-access data platforms, establish a multidisciplinary knowledge base for coastal systems, and strengthen global scientific understanding and forecasting capabilities. Through in-depth cooperation with global research institutions and expert teams, CROSS Coastz will provide solid scientific support for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It represents both a contribution of Chinese expertise and a call for collective international action to build a safer, more resilient, and equitable future for coastal communities worldwide.

Relevant Links:

Endorsed initiatives | Science Decade

Connecting Rivers & Oceans for Sustainable Solutions in the Coastal Zone (CROSS Coastz) | Science Decade

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