Adaptation of Coastal Areas

The Adaptation of Coastal Areas Community of Practice shares knowledge and best practice for shoreline management, nature-based solutions, coastal spacial planning and coastal climate resilience. Spanning from assessment to strategies and finance, to governance and implementation, as well as innovation to support learning in coastal areas. 

Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to storms, sea level rise, and other climate change related impacts. Issues such as rapid urbanization, overexploited fisheries, invasive species, and increased pollution levels are taking a heavy toll on marine and coastal resources.  

Coastal areas make up just 20% of the earth's surface, however, an estimated 40% of the global population live within 100 kilometres of a coastline. The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data shows that coastal countries produce more than $9.5 trillion USD in goods and services, employ 58.3 million people, and pay $3.8 trillion in wages.  Despite only 15% of coastlines remaining in their natural state, 634 million people around the world live 10 meters or less above sea level.  Climate Adaptation that closely considers coastal waters is needed to protect infrastructure, economies and people 

The Water Adaptation Community is a supporting partner of the International Panel on Deltas, Coastal Areas and Islands (IPDC) . Through its involvement in the ‘action holder’ layer of the IPDC, one of the three key layers of the panel, this partnership aims to foster innovative solutions, insights and knowledge sharing via the WAC’s Communities of Practices.