How can meaningful community and stakeholder engagement strengthen ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) for coastal areas and make coastal resilience efforts more effective, equitable, and sustainable in the long term? This virtual workshop brings together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how participatory approaches, local knowledge, and strong partnerships can improve the design, implementation, and governance of EbA initiatives in coastal contexts.

For five days, experts from politics, science and environmental organisations discussed more protection for the oceans at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice: Climate change, overfishing and pollution are threatening marine biodiversity worldwide. Europeans were strongly represented, as were countries from the Global South, as well as important G20 countries such as Australia, India, Brazil and China. Dr Grit Martinez took part in the UN Ocean Conference on behalf of Ecologic Institute's Coastal and Marine Research Division. At the conference, a sincere commitment to the protection and sustainable use of the oceans was evident.

The workshop, held on 7 and 8 October 2025, brought together experts from around the world to discuss how ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) can address sea-level rise and strengthen coastal resilience. Around 40 participants exchanged experiences, explored practical and financial approaches – including blue carbon initiatives and blended funding models – and deepened collaboration across science, policy, and practice.

The Ecologic Institute hosted a virtual scoping workshop as part of the TROPICAL ADAPT project: Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Coastal Regions Worldwide. This workshop brought together members of the Advisory Board and other stakeholders to explore challenges and opportunities for EbA, refine project strategies, and foster collaboration. The workshop provided a platform to share insights on challenges and opportunities for EbA in coastal regions, refine strategic priorities for the project, and foster collaboration among experts. Additionally, it helped to identify key questions to guide future workshops.

The aim of the project is to support the promotion of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in tropical and subtropical coastal regions. This is to be achieved by strengthening the technical information base, promoting the international exchange of experience and developing and communicating policy- and implementation-oriented recommendations for action to decision-makers.