Rising Together: Collaborative Community Solutions for Coastal Resilience
Kelley Anderson TagarinoPulaski
This session will focus on the development of innovative tools and practical implementation of community resilience strategies, with a focus on ensuring equitable engagement. Drawing upon case studies from Sea Grant Extension Agents nationwide, with an emphasis on the Pacific Islands region of American Samoa and Hawaiʻi, the session will share processes and key insights learned in fostering community-driven resilience. Time will be reserved to interact with other Sea Grant Programs about their engagement practices, shared experiences, and lessons in the context of coastal resilience. For example, the American Samoa Sea Level Rise Viewer, addresses the heightened vulnerability to sea-level rise in the region following the 2009 Samoan tsunami- earthquake. Developed collaboratively, this interactive tool empowers chiefs and villages to assess local vulnerability by providing maps of flooding extent based on various sea level rise scenarios and future projections. The Viewer offers more accurate insights into potential flooding scenarios with the associated timeframes, enabling communities to plan effectively for resilience. Furthermore, the session will showcase Sea Grant Extension Agents' collaboration with state and county government agencies, such as the 5-year update to the Hawaiʻi Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report which includes efforts to integrate equity and justice. Additionally, Sea Grant's involvement in facilitating nature-based projects across the state, such as community-led restoration efforts and permitting on Oʻahu and Maui will be discussed as examples of community-led ecosystem restoration efforts. Extension Agents will participate in the panel, sharing valuable insights into collaborative approaches in engaging communities and enhancing resilience.