News Archives - Future Earth Coasts https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/category/news/ A project for sustainable coasts Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:15:55 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://futureearthcoasts.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/14122159/cropped-fav-32x32.png News Archives - Future Earth Coasts https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/category/news/ 32 32 SIMSEA Meta-Network Meeting: Strengthening Collaboration Across Marginal Seas https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/simsea-meta-network-meeting-strengthening-collaboration-across-marginal-seas/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:15:55 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21520 Organized by: The SIMSEA Meta-Network Meeting, organized jointly by SIMSEA and Sun Yat-sen University in collaboration with the Future Earth Meta-Network Initiative and supported by Future Earth Coasts, will take place in Zhuhai on 17–18 October 2025, with the main theme “Developing a Meta-Network (Network of Networks) for enhancing the progress of SDGs in marginal […]

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Organized by:

The SIMSEA Meta-Network Meeting, organized jointly by SIMSEA and Sun Yat-sen University in collaboration with the Future Earth Meta-Network Initiative and supported by Future Earth Coasts, will take place in Zhuhai on 17–18 October 2025, with the main theme “Developing a Meta-Network (Network of Networks) for enhancing the progress of SDGs in marginal seas and coastal areas”. The meeting program is available here.

The SIMSEA Meta-Network Meeting will feature progress reports and plans on working group activities highlighting their priorities and challenges, thematic working group dialogues, planning sessions for integrative pathways and collaboration, and interactive synthesis workshops to define actionable priorities and implementation strategies.

The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. If you would like to attend online, please register here. You will be contacted with a link for online participation.

Stay tuned for news on the meeting outcomes. We hope this gathering will strengthen regional collaboration through Meta-Network development, advance comprehensive multi-scale monitoring frameworks, and catalyze interdisciplinary joint efforts for realizing sustainable and resilient socio-ecological systems across East and Southeast Asia.

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FEC-SIMSEA Youth Joint Seminar: Understanding Coastal Resilience in a Changing Climate https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/fec-simsea-youth-joint-seminar-understanding-coastal-resilience-in-a-changing-climate/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 01:42:16 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21509 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 […]

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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.

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“Coastal Visions” Global Coastal Photography Award https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/coastal-visions-global-coastal-photography-contest/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:21:16 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21480 “Coastal Visions” Global Coastal Photography Award —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 […]

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“Coastal Visions” Global Coastal Photography Award

—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

📷 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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Climate Change Biology and Its Approaches to Understand Phytoplankton Responses in the Warming Ocean https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/climate-change-biology-and-its-approaches-to-understand-phytoplankton-responses-in-the-warming-ocean/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:22:40 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21470 The FEC–SIMSEA Youth Joint Seminar, held on 18 August 2025, brought together early-career researchers, students, and marine scientists across Asia and Oceania to explore how climate change biology informs our understanding of phytoplankton responses to warming oceans. The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Brisneve Edullantes, Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Cebu, […]

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The FEC–SIMSEA Youth Joint Seminar, held on 18 August 2025, brought together early-career researchers, students, and marine scientists across Asia and Oceania to explore how climate change biology informs our understanding of phytoplankton responses to warming oceans.

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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Join FEC Webinar: Explore How Global Surf Culture Powers Coastal Conservation https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/join-fec-seminar-explore-how-global-surf-culture-powers-coastal-conservation/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:25:28 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21455 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 […]

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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.

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CROSS Coastz Programme Led by SKLEC Selected as One of the First UN Science Decade Endorsed Initiatives https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/cross-coastz-programme-led-by-sklec-selected-as-one-of-the-first-un-science-decade-endorsed-initiatives/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:33:36 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21450 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 […]

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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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New FEC Affiliated Activity – the 1st Transdisciplinary Summer Course https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/new-fec-affiliated-activity-the-1st-transdisciplinary-summer-course/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 02:42:02 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21435 The 1st Transdisciplinary Summer Course (TSC) – Generating Impact Through Transdisciplinary Research: Co-Designing Solutions for Complex Marine and Coastal Challenges – has been officially endorsed as an FEC affiliated activity. This Summer School targets early-career researchers and practitioners and is conducted in a hybrid format (online lectures, on-site group work, and field visits) at IPB […]

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The 1st Transdisciplinary Summer Course (TSC)Generating Impact Through Transdisciplinary Research: Co-Designing Solutions for Complex Marine and Coastal Challenges – has been officially endorsed as an FEC affiliated activity.

This Summer School targets early-career researchers and practitioners and is conducted in a hybrid format (online lectures, on-site group work, and field visits) at IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. It follows two previous iterations conducted by ZMT Bremen in collaboration with FEC and other partners, which were delivered in a fully online format.

The course aims to equip participants with the skills and frameworks needed to tackle complex marine and coastal issues through transdisciplinary approaches. Using real-world case studies—such as marine tourism, marine debris, and microplastic pollution—the program explores their far-reaching impacts on marine ecosystems, human health, and economic sustainability. This holistic focus underscores the need for coordinated efforts across scientific disciplines, policymaking, and local communities to co-create sustainable solutions for marine use and management.

Focusing on collaborative, transdisciplinary research projects involving participants from Indonesia, Germany and other countries, participants will be exposed to theoretical background, practical examples, and group work on selected case studies. Lecturers will be from Academia and practitioners, as well as experts in knowledge transfer and communication at the science/policy interface. The focus will be on Indonesian tropical coastal settings as examples of pressing sustainability challenges and complex social-ecological systems, but concepts will be transferable and applicable to other natural resource use and management contexts.

FORMAT OF THE ACTIVITIES

The program will combine lectures, hands-on workshops, field visits, group projects, and presentations to encourage active engagement and knowledge application. The program consists of a hybrid format, with central lectures streamed online and group work as well as field visits for on-site participants.

For more information about this course, please visit: https://www.ioinst.org/training/ioi-germany-summer-school/

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Future Earth Coasts Welcomes New Co-Chairs and Vice Chair to Advance Global Coastal Action https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/future-earth-coasts-welcomes-new-co-chairs-and-vice-chair-to-advance-global-coastal-action/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:25:16 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21425 As summer heatwaves intensify along the coasts of the Northern Hemisphere, Future Earth Coasts (FEC), a global research network of Future Earth dedicated to fostering healthy coasts and oceans for a just and sustainable future, enters a dynamic new chapter. FEC is thrilled to announce the appointment of three distinguished Co-Chairs: Charles Lemckert, Weiguo Zhang, […]

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As summer heatwaves intensify along the coasts of the Northern Hemisphere, Future Earth Coasts (FEC), a global research network of Future Earth dedicated to fostering healthy coasts and oceans for a just and sustainable future, enters a dynamic new chapter.

FEC is thrilled to announce the appointment of three distinguished Co-Chairs: Charles Lemckert, Weiguo Zhang, and Emma McKinley, as well as Salom Gnana Thanga Vincent as the new Vice Chair. Together with the incumbent Vice Chair, Mike Elliott, they will help shape the network’s strategic direction, support scientific collaboration, and strengthen global partnerships.

We also extend our sincere thanks to outgoing Co-Chairs, Tim Smith and Purvaja Ramachandran, who have served since 2020. Over the years, they have dedicated their time, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing FEC’s mission and goals. We are deeply grateful for their wisdom, vision, and leadership, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.


Meet the New Co-Chairs and Vice Chair

 

Charles Lemckert

Southern Cross University, Australia

Charles is currently the Chair of Engineering and Information Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering at the Southern Cross University, Australia and a Fellow of Engineers Australia, with CPEng in Civil, Environmental, and Leadership and Management. Charles has a strong interest and expertise in coastal science, water and coastal engineering, along with coastal zone management approaches. He also has over 25 years of active involvement and leadership in the higher education sector and specialized in developing new engineering and building construction management approaches to improve our society, with a special emphasis on tertiary education enhancement.


Weiguo Zhang

East China Normal University, China

Professor Weiguo Zhang is a coastal geoscientist with expertise in geomorphology, sedimentology, and coastal environmental change. His research explores human–nature interactions in coastal zones over a range of timescales, aiming to support sustainable coastal management. His recent work addresses delta evolution, coastal pollution, and shifts in ecosystem services. Professor Zhang utilizes diverse methodologies including environmental magnetism, geochemistry, radionuclide and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, as well as remote sensing. He has authored over 170 peer-reviewed publications, co-edited one academic book, and led three special issues in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science and Geomorphology.


Emma McKinley

Cardiff University, UK

Dr Emma McKinley is a Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University, leading work on ocean literacy and human-ocean relationships. Emma is the Academic Lead of the Severn Estuary Partnership and is the founder of the Marine Social Science Network. She sits on the UK’s National Decade Committee for the UN Ocean Decade, the International Science Advisory Group for MEOPAR and the IOC-UNESCO’s Global Group of Expert on Ocean Literacy.


Salom Gnana Thanga Vincent (Vice Chair)

University of Kerala, India

 Dr. Salom Gnana Thanga Vincent is a Professor at the University of Kerala whose research focuses on benthic ecology and microbial diversity in coastal environments, particularly in relation to human-induced impacts like plastic pollution. She has held leadership roles within the university, including Director of the School of Earth System Sciences, and contributes actively to curriculum development and academic governance. Dr. Vincent serves as the Indian ambassador for the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association and is an Associate Editor of Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Her work on marine plastic pollution and coastal sustainability has received international recognition and support through fellowships and collaborative programs.


A Shared Commitment to Coastal Futures

The incoming Co-Chairs and Vice Chairs will work closely with the Co-Executive Directors and International Project Offices to advance FEC’s mission, strengthen its collaborative work, and amplify the network’s impact worldwide.

“We are excited to welcome Charles, Weiguo, Emma, and Salom to the FEC Executive Committee,” said Anja and Xiaoyu, Co-Executive Directors of FEC, “Their wide-ranging expertise and shared values will help accelerate our efforts to build resilient coastal futures for people and the planet.”

Marking a New Phase for FEC

With this new team in place, FEC is poised to deepen its impact on coastal resilience, interdisciplinary research, and actionable science that supports communities around the globe. These appointments reaffirm FEC’s commitment to inclusive, science-driven approaches to today’s most pressing coastal challenges.

Stay up to date with FEC’s ongoing work by following Future Earth Coasts on LinkedIn and Facebook, or visiting our website for news and initiatives.

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Join Us! FEC-SIMSEA Youth Joint Seminar on Phytoplankton & Climate Change | Aug 18 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/join-us-fec-simsea-youth-seminar-on-phytoplankton-climate-change-aug-18/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:57:12 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21418 TALK Climate change biology and its approaches to understand phytoplankton responses in the warming ocean Brisneve Edullantes, PhD, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu Phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that form the base of marine ecosystems, drive global primary production and affect biogeochemical cycles. Ocean warming as […]

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TALK

  • Climate change biology and its approaches to understand phytoplankton responses in the warming ocean
  • Brisneve Edullantes, PhD, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu

Phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that form the base of marine ecosystems, drive global primary production and affect biogeochemical cycles. Ocean warming as a result of climate change creates major threats to phytoplankton diversity together with their distribution patterns and ecological roles. The presentation examines how Climate Change Biology as an interdisciplinary field enables us to understand phytoplankton responses to these changes. The biological responses to climate change include range shifts, phenotypic plasticity, community restructuring, and local extirpation or extinction in some cases. Ocean acidification together with marine heatwaves create additional changes in phytoplankton dynamics which sometimes produce harmful algal blooms that lead to severe ecological and socio-economic consequences. Multiple methods including long-term observations and controlled laboratory and mesocosm experiments together with satellite remote sensing and ecological modeling and meta-analyses are used to evaluate these responses. The presentation demonstrates why integrated adaptive research methods are essential for predicting phytoplankton responses to future climate conditions because this knowledge enables effective management of marine ecosystems and preservation of ocean ecosystem services.


Our Speaker

Dr. Brisneve Edullantes

Dr. Brisneve Edullantes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science (DBES) of the College of Science of the University of the Philippines Cebu with expertise in Environmental Biology. He obtained his BSc in Biology from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas Cebu College (currently known as University of the Philippines Cebu) in 2009. He earned his MEng in Environmental Engineering from the Mokpo National Maritime University, South Korea in 2012. He obtained his PhD in Environmental Biology degree from the University of Essex, United Kingdom. Dr. Edullantes has taught several innovative courses in the Biology and Environmental Science programs, including Biological Systems Analysis, Environmental Change Biology, and Environmental Data Analysis and Visualization. He has actively mentored both undergraduate and graduate students in conducting scientific research. He specializes in microalgal ecophysiology and environmental change biology, as evidenced by his publications in reputable journals and presentations at both local and international conferences. His commitment to teaching, research, and public service is further highlighted by the grants and awards he has received such as International Publication Awards (2015 – 2025), Gawad Chancellor Awards (2023 and 2024), and National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) Outstanding Scientific Paper Award (2025).


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 August 18th.

Click here to register:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/H9F0fDX/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 Join Us! FEC-SIMSEA Youth Joint Seminar on Phytoplankton & Climate Change | Aug 18 appeared first on Future Earth Coasts.

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The 4th Mega-Delta Meeting: International Conference on Dialogue between Land and Sea https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/the-4th-mega-delta-meeting-international-conference-on-dialogue-between-land-and-sea/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:47:47 +0000 https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/?p=21410 The 4th Mega-Delta Meeting:  International Conference on Dialogue between Land and Sea October 19-22, 2025,  Shanghai,China Rivers are crucial links between river basins and the sea, yet large river basins are often faced with flooding/draught, pollution, and sediment issues caused by climate change and human activities. Balancing economic development in these basins while mitigating negative impacts […]

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The 4th Mega-Delta Meeting:  International Conference on Dialogue between Land and Sea
October 19-22, 2025,  Shanghai,China

Rivers are crucial links between river basins and the sea, yet large river basins are often faced with flooding/draught, pollution, and sediment issues caused by climate change and human activities. Balancing economic development in these basins while mitigating negative impacts on the sea requires effective communication among scientists, policy makers, and practitioners from various sectors. This conference aims to bridge the gap between science and policy by facilitating such a dialogue.

Moreover, this year’s conference will continue its collaboration with the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to host the “Dialogue on Great River Basins.” This year, the dialogue will focus on major rivers in Asia.

Themes

– Influence of climate change and human activities on river deltas

– Cope with challenges for different deltas

– Initiation promotion: UN convention on Conserving River Deltas (UNCCRD)


Key Dates

2025/09/12  Abstract submissions close

2025/09/20  Abstract acceptance notifications

2025/09/21  Registration opens

2025/10/1   Early bird registration closes

2025/10/19  Conference onsite registration

2025/10/20-21  Conference

2025/10/22  Excursion


Organizers

East China Normal University

Co-organizers

State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research

Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

Supporting Programs

Mega-Delta Programme of the UN Ocean Decade

UN Decade Collaborative Center for Ocean-Climate Nexus (DCC-OCC)

UN Decade Collaborative Center for Coastal Resilience (DCC-CR)

Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory for “Green Mega Deltas”

International Joint Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Shanghai

Future Earth Coasts(FEC)

Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR)

Sponsor

Zizhu National High-Tech Industrial Development Park


Submit abstracts

Please submit your abstract by scanning the QR code.

Registration

The Payment link will be updated after 2025/09/20.


Hotels

 

Contact

Conference Email:Megadelta@ecnu.edu.cn

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