Exchanging Knowledge and Best Practice Across Borders 2021

Coastal Communities Adapting Together (CCAT) is delighted to announce the second free, virtual Exchanging Knowledge and Best Practice Across Borders event on 19, 20 and 21 October 2021.

The event will provide an opportunity to share knowledge and experience in coastal management, climate change adaptation and mitigation. To find out more about this event and book your free place, please go to www.ccatproject.eu.

Coastal communities are often at the forefront of the impacts of climate change and increasingly need to consider how to adapt, become more resilient, and deal with coastal management planning decisions. CCAT is working to support coastal communities in Pembrokeshire (Wales) and Fingal (Ireland) to understand the impact of climate change in these areas and explore how these communities can adapt. CCAT uses innovative online tools such as Minecraft, animation, virtual and augmented reality, and community mapping projects to support communities in becoming more resilient to climate change.

Drawing on feedback from the first CCAT Exchanging Knowledge and Best Practice Across Bordersevent last year, it was clear that there is an appetite to learn from what others are doing and to build on existing best practice in policy and management for both coastal management and climate change. This second event will bring together a diverse range of practitioners and academics with expertise in policy, coastal management, climate change adaptation, community engagement and more. A wide range of topics will be covered, such as the role of technology within climate change adaptation and resilience, nature-based solutions, community engagement in coastal management, and we will hear from communities currently experiencing the impacts of climate change.

Minister for Climate Change, Wales, Julie James, said, “Climate Change is one of the major challenges of our age and at the very heart of Welsh Government decision making. The CCAT project, backed by £1.2M European Funds via the Ireland-Wales Cooperation Programme, uses a variety of innovative communication and engagement tools with coastal communities in Pembrokeshire and Fingal to develop their understanding of the impact of climate change and to encourage a shared responsibility for how they interact with the environment. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to discuss and share their best practice, but also to learn from others.”

Ahead of CCAT’s second virtual knowledge-sharing event Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said “given that almost half of Ireland’s population lives close to its coasts, addressing coastal resilience and preparing for the impacts of climate change has never been more important. Within my department, Geological Survey Ireland's coastal change and coastal vulnerability mapping is highlighting areas where erosion is occurring and likely to occur, as we track rising sea levels and more incidence of storms. Geological Survey Ireland also participates in the CHERISH Interreg Ireland Wales Programme, which raises awareness and understanding of the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Government action, support and leadership, which is being delivered under the National Adaptation Framework through Sectoral and Local Adaptation Plans, is essential for climate resilience. Alongside improving knowledge and awareness, this will empower coastal communities to protect themselves and their property against climate change risks.”

Karen Foley, Senior Responsible Officer with CCAT and Head of Landscape Architecture, UCD added that “as the climate emergency intensifies, the urgency of building capacity in Irish Sea coastal communities to adapt to the resulting impacts is greater than ever. The imperative for immediate action was emphasised by this summer’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The Irish government’s 2021 Climate Action Plan recognises the importance of public consultation, and it is timely that this upcoming CCAT conference highlights international best practice and innovative tools to engage a diverse range of coastal citizens in promoting the co-creation of climate adaptation solutions.”

Joshua Beynon, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group at Pembrokeshire County Council said that “despite public bodies dealing with Coronavirus over the past 18 months, the mammoth task of tackling climate change still remains, and coastal communities are witnessing the impacts of such on their doorsteps every day. This conference is a great opportunity to talk about what we are doing in Pembrokeshire but to also learn from others in Wales, Ireland, and the rest of Europe on how best to work together collectively to share best practices.”

To find out more about this event and book your free place, please go to www.ccatproject.eu.

About Coastal Communities Adapting Together (CCAT)

The Coastal Communities Adapting Together (CCAT) project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 with partners in Ireland (Fingal County Council, University College Dublin and MaREI/University College Cork) and in Wales (Cardiff University, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and the Port of Milford Haven).

For further information, contact Pauline Power via email at pauline.power@ucd.ie or by calling 085 1793005.