Future Earth Coasts (FEC) is excited to announce that its cross-cutting proposal, “Empowering Future Leadership: A Coastal Sustainability Value Chain,” has been awarded funding from the Future Earth Cross-Cutting Initiatives Grant Program. Set to launch in early 2025, this project is led by FEC in collaboration with the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme, OceanKAN (Ocean Knowledge Action Network), and Anthropocene Coasts.
The primary aim of this initiative is to cultivate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and leadership development among Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) and stakeholders in coastal management. The project focuses on enhancing understanding and skills related to best practices in coastal zone management while fostering connections between future leaders. By engaging and empowering the next generation of leaders, this initiative seeks to improve decision-making processes for sustainable development and the preservation of coastal ecosystems.
This three-year project will feature a series of workshops addressing critical topics in coastal management, providing opportunities for ECOPs to connect and catalyze interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration. This workshop series represents a comprehensive value chain, beginning with the integration of Indigenous and academic knowledge tailored for traditional decision-makers. It then applies just transition principles to support resource-dependent coastal communities in adopting sustainable development practices. Dissemination and capacity building are facilitated through science publication training, policy advocacy, and ocean literacy workshops, empowering participants to share knowledge and influence policy effectively. Policy development is further strengthened by training on coastal hazard mitigation, equipping communities to address risks and enhance climate resilience. Innovation is promoted through blue economy governance workshops, which foster sustainable entrepreneurship and land-use planning. The series concludes with a transdisciplinary research application workshop, focusing on collaboration and partnerships to address complex coastal challenges and drive global positive change. The workshops will be conducted utilizing a flexible format that includes in-person, virtual, or hybrid sessions to accommodate both physical and remote participation.
The project’s implementation is eagerly anticipated and is poised to deliver sustained impact by enhancing capacity and fostering collaboration among ECOPs and other stakeholders. The skills and knowledge acquired through the workshops will empower ECOPs to implement best practices in coastal management and conservation, resulting in long-term improvements.
For more information about the project or to get involved, please contact [email protected].
Stay tuned for project updates at: https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/.