This site is designed to support communication and knowledge sharing between you and me about this PhD study examining Building coastal ecosystem resilience to sea-level rise. It’s a case study investigation of community perspectives for adaptation to climate change in Marlborough, Aotearoa New Zealand.
The driver for this study is that low-lying coastal margin ecosystems (saltmarsh, seagrass and coastal lagoons) in Marlborough are both unique and at risk from sea-level rise and climate change. Changes to these ecosystems are likely to also impact coastal communities living with them. The focus of this study is on remote rural communities and natural coastal margin ecosystems.
These coastal ecosystems are our unsung heroes in mitigating and buffering the effects of climate change and sea level rise just by doing what they do best, by being there.
I am interested to find out: What are your perspectives on these ecosystems? What values do they hold for you? And what you can contribute to the study by sharing your local knowledge on coastal margin ecosystems in your backyard?
I am interested in hearing your local voices to help develop relevant tools for resilience and adaptation strategies for coastal margin ecosystems facing challenges from sea-level rise and climate change, that reflect local values and needs. In doing so I want to support existing resilience strategies and plans already a foot in the region. Local mātauranga, knowledge and perspectives matter in developing such strategies to build resilience and effectively protect these ecosystem types and communities that rely on them for natural protection.
I believe that the collective knowledge of communities can assist in preparing and adapting to future changes. So let’s work together and start to figure this stuff out!
Take the survey!
If you are 18 or over, you can share your knowledge and help me collect participatory research data through the below survey. It takes about 10 minutes to fill, depending on how many location you choose to share, and is confidential.
Coastal ecosystems and community values survey
Get in touch!
For more information, please feel welcome to contact me with your query at any time. Opportunities to participate in the study will be advertised here and circulated through local community groups and social media networks. Research events will include a combination of workshops, hui and wānanga.
If you are worried you will miss these, send me an e-mail or subscribe to this blog and I will include you on the mailing list to keep you informed.
