Future Earth Coasts (FEC), in collaboration with researchers from the University of South Carolina, has officially released the final report of the Tour de Coasts initiative. Launched in March, 2024, the global survey engaged a diverse and international audience, including researchers, policymakers, and community representatives to identify critical gaps, challenges, and solutions in coastal sustainability. The report offers a comprehensive overview of coastal sustainability from a global perspective, providing valuable insights to guide future research and policy action.
The Tour de Coasts initiative aimed to foster knowledge exchange and advance efforts to address pressing coastal sustainability issues. Participants from 79 countries and regions across six continents (excluding Antarctica) contributed their insights, with strong representation from Europe and West Africa. By examining definitions of sustainability, key barriers, contributions, and research priorities, the survey facilitated knowledge exchange and highlighted both shared challenges and region-specific concerns in coastal sustainability efforts. The findings underscore the importance of governance, financial investment, public awareness, and interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Figure 5: Barriers to coastal sustainability word cloud.
The initiative also spotlighted the need for continued engagement and dialogue to ensure a truly inclusive and representative understanding of coastal sustainability. Future efforts should focus on expanding outreach to underrepresented regions and stakeholder groups, incorporating more localized case studies, and fostering ongoing discussions beyond survey responses. Additionally, the results highlight the importance of integrating scientific research with actionable policy and community-driven solutions, emphasizing the need for increased funding, stronger governance frameworks, and public education initiatives.
Building on the momentum of Tour de Coasts, Future Earth Coasts remains committed to advancing global coastal sustainability efforts. Through continued research, collaboration, and outreach, FEC will work to address emerging challenges, amplify diverse voices, and drive impactful solutions that support resilient and thriving coastal communities worldwide.
The findings of the Tour de Coasts survey have contributed to a special collection in Anthropocene Coasts, exploring pathways to coastal sustainability. Additionally, the initiative facilitated a roundtable discussion at the 2024 Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress (SRI 2024), bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and coastal communities to address key challenges and solutions.
To continue this critical dialogue, the findings will be further examined during the panel discussion “Tour de Coasts: Insights from the Global Coastal Sustainability Survey” at SRI 2025, where experts will present actionable insights and successful strategies from around the world, highlighting the power of collaboration, local knowledge, and transdisciplinary approaches in protecting and preserving coastlines.
By fostering engagement and knowledge-sharing, Tour de Coasts aims to drive meaningful change, offering replicable models for sustainable coastal management. Stay connected for future updates and events from the Tour de Coasts team!
Access the Report
The full Tour de Coasts final report is now available for download. Click here to read the report and explore its findings in detail.