Future Earth Coasts (FEC) is proud to announce that it is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative, “Developing a Meta-Network (Network of Networks) for Collaboration of Programs on Oceans, Marginal Seas, and Coasts Under the Future Earth.” FEC, in collaboration with SIMSEA (The Sustainability Initiative in the Marginal Seas of South and East Asia) and PEMSEA (Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia), has secured funding from the Future Earth Cross-Cutting Initiatives Grant Program for this transformative project.
The project aims to foster collaborations among various global and regional programs, initiatives, and organizations to enhance global sustainability science in coastal zones and marginal seas. With a primary focus on integrating knowledge from diverse scientific disciplines, the initiative seeks to address critical gaps in coastal zone management and fortify existing initiatives. Engaging student researchers and sustainability actors actively, the project is set to establish a scalable and sustained platform for evidence-informed decision-making.
The project’s timeline spans three years, starting with a comprehensive gap analysis and stakeholder engagement in Year 1, followed by network integration, data consolidation, and capacity development in Year 2. The final year will see ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and expansion of the initiative. Anticipated outcomes include enhanced collaboration among Meta-Network members, improved access to research resources and data, strengthened engagement with decision-makers and stakeholders, and the advancement of global sustainability science in coastal zones and marginal seas. A regional scale Core-and-Network System (CNS) will be incorporated in the Meta-Network for developing new coastal zone management methodologies based on integrated multi-scale and comprehensive monitoring networks in Southeast Asia and its surrounding areas. Crucially, the project emphasizes the involvement of student researchers and sustainability actors in various activities, providing mentorship and skill development to tackle challenges in coastal zone and marginal seas sustainability.
This significant project marks a pivotal step forward in FEC’s mission to advance sustainable socio-ecological systems in coastal regions. It holds the promise of a more resilient and sustainable future for our planet’s oceans, seas, and coasts, all thanks to FEC’s dedication to driving positive change. The project’s implementation is eagerly anticipated and is poised to leave a lasting impact on global sustainability science and coastal management, showcasing the unwavering commitment of FEC in shaping a better future for our coasts and oceans.