Ulster University researchers have been awarded major funding to help tackle the problems of climate change impacts on the Irish coast. This four-year, cross-border, Coastal Monitoring and Adaptation Planning (CMAP) project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The Irish coast is facing a combined climate and biodiversity crisis with species loss, impacts from rising sea levels and increased storm activity causing erosion challenges and reducing resilience of our coasts. Ireland faces the brunt of Atlantic storms whilst hosting a rich and diverse array of marine flora and fauna.
Local authorities, communities and government departments are now challenged to plan for recovery from this crisis. This will require policy alignment and active environmental cooperation between both sides of the border. For a coordinated approach, issues must be tackled at a regional level, incorporating the skills, knowledge, and experiences of local communities.
CMAP's work will help interweave local action and citizen science at a range of 15 coastal sites incorporating Counties Sligo, Donegal, Londonderry, Antrim, Down and Louth. This collaboration will enhance understanding of coastal processes, habitats and species, while addressing community concerns. Scientific measurement and habitat and species restoration will be supported by community-based activities, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange, benefiting communities on both sides of the border.
Lead Investigator on the project, Professor Derek Jackson of Ulster University’s School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded this hugely important funding, which will help us to better understand and address the many problems of climate change impacts on the Irish coast.“Until now, we have largely adopted a 'hold the line' strategy for coastal erosion in the UK and Ireland. However, we now need to reassess this approach, and adequately include physical processes, realignment, ecological succession, and natural change at the coast. Including these in the CMAP project will help to develop more appropriate strategies to better tackle pressures at the coast. Global climate change, including sea-level rise and increased storminess, poses real challenges for our coastal environments and the species living there and this has created the need for adaptation planning and restoration of coastal habitats.
“Adaptation on the coast requires specific attention and awareness raising of the nature of coastal change and the impacts of various adaptation options to address this change.”
The CMAP project will help create sustainable adaptation to the threats posed by climate change and will in turn provide decision-makers and stakeholders at the coast with:
- Specific information on the nature of coastal change (that does not currently exist).
- Understanding of coastal change (that requires education).
- Awareness of adaptation options and their implications.
- Feasible, evidence-based options and routes to habitat and species restoration to mitigate impacts.
Ulster University Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research, Professor Liam Maguire added:
“This award reflects our research excellence and track record in this area and resonates with our strategic focus on partnerships, place and sustainable futures for all.”
The CMAP project brings together a diverse group of 19 organisations from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with important expertise, experience and existing resources, essential for addressing coastal restoration challenges.
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:
“Our natural environment is one of our most important assets and continued enhancement and protection is critical to future economic and social development.
“A clean, green and accessible environment makes a major contribution to people having long, active, healthy lives as well as creating a place where people want to live, visit and invest. This helps support a community who want to have a peaceful and prosperous future.
“Strategic cross-border investment will enhance and protect the environment while strengthening the economy. Both human activities and climate change pose a very real threat to Ireland and Northern Ireland’s cultural and natural resources. Given the transboundary nature of the marine environment, this funding announcement presents a welcome and timely opportunity for cross-border collaboration.”
