The Future Earth Coasts (FEC) Fellows Session, “Governing the Coast: Vulnerability, Adaptation, and Transformation,” was successfully held on November 6th, drawing active participation from FEC Fellows, Academy members, and coastal sustainability experts from both within and beyond the FEC network. Aligned with FEC’s mission to advance coastal sustainability and empower future leaders, the session united diverse voices to address urgent coastal governance challenges amid rising climate impacts.
The session’s keynote was delivered by FEC Fellow Dr. Carmen Elrick-Barr, whose research bridges social science and policy in coastal conservation and management. Drawing from her work in Australia and the Pacific, she emphasized the importance of integrating scientific research with local and Indigenous knowledge to create adaptive, community-centered solutions and shared resilience-building strategies that empower coastal communities to thrive despite environmental challenges. Her presentation highlighted the value of community engagement in planning and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, showcasing innovative, culturally tailored approaches such as flexible land-use policies and integrated risk assessment frameworks for more inclusive and sustainable coastal governance.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where participants discussed key coastal governance issues, including resilience pathways for regions impacted by rising sea levels, extreme weather, and socio-economic shifts. Topics ranged from applying the methods in resource-limited areas to balancing economic goals with environmental preservation. Dr. Elrick-Barr emphasized early stakeholder engagement, cost-effective nature-based solutions, and collaborative governance, stressing that inclusive partnerships are key to lasting coastal sustainability.
FEC Fellows Sessions are dedicated to equipping early-career researchers (ECRs) with insights that bridge academic research with real-world applications. Through collaborative learning and mentorship, participants gain valuable exposure to sustainable governance strategies and practical methods for building resilience in coastal regions. FEC will continue to host these sessions as a key component of its mission, fostering a globally connected and well-prepared community of future coastal sustainability leaders.