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Project Code [PDOC/21/02/02]
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Project title
Increasing coastal resilience using terrestrial- and ocean-based Nature-based Solutions
Primary Funding Agency
Marine Institute
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
Project Abstract
It is widely accepted within the scientific community and EU policymakers that Nature-based Solutions (NbS) will be a major contributor to achieving climate �resilience� targets in future urban and rural settings. The prioritization of ocean and coastal NbS to build up the blue-green infrastructure has multiple environmental (biodiversity conservation/restoration; carbon sequestration), social (reduced pollution; water quality; health-related benefits) and economic (tourism; cost-effective coastal protection solutions; blue/green jobs) benefits. Despite these benefits, NbS are yet to become mainstream or prioritized in local or national planning structures in Ireland, nor are they accepted by the general public in contrast to grey infrastructure (engineered solutions). WPs 1-4 in this four-year research programme will fill some of these knowledge gaps by:
1. providing the first scientific evidence of the potential benefits of ocean-based NbS in Ireland on mitigating storm impacts on the coast by adapting existing wave-morphological models within the BBRH to simulate the effects of kelp forests on waves and erosion in Brandon Bay;
2. deliver the terms of reference for a large-scale, multi-year evidenced-based review to scope out potential for ocean and intertidal NbS in Irish coastal (defined in WFD 2000/60/EC) and marine (defined in MSFD 2008/56/EC) waters based on historic extent, seabed characteristics, ocean climate, social capital and cost-benefits.
3. use the extensive coastal community network and Education and Training Board infrastructure uniquely available to the team (via Project 2070) to co-design low-cost citizen science monitoring programmes to systematically monitor the coastal changes (topography; vegetation cover; biodiversity richness) in the vicinity of terrestrial beach-dune NbS�s.
This approach is designed to maximize existing research and networks; deliver capacity building (institutional and community) and training programmes; support climate resilience objectives; encourages civil society to partake in collective climate efforts; and identifies the enablers and barriers to achieving resilience in the marine/coastal environment.
Research Hub
Climate research
Research Theme
Being prepared for Ireland�s future climate.
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/03/2026