Representatives from industry, government, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the public will join this unique virtual event.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 AND THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022
On May 25 and 26, MEOPAR’s National Forum on Coast Community Resilience will connect communities on Canada’s coasts, researchers, non-governmental organizations, and various levels of government to explore local government initiatives in the face of coastal change. With increasing coastal hazards and climate change, more and more Canadians are being forced to adapt to new challenges. This free, virtual event builds on the success of the first National Forum on Coastal Community Resilience in September 2020.
“As coastal communities across Canada respond to increasing threats from natural phenomena, the National Forum provides a unique venue for connection,” said Dr. Ron Pelot, Associate Scientific Director for MEOPAR. “The lessons learned from disaster response in one coastal community can apply to the challenges facing another. MEOPAR is pleased to present this event that supports knowledge sharing and collaboration to improve coastal resilience across the country.”
The event’s format is designed to promote knowledge transfer. There will be “snapshot” community presentations sharing specific examples and stories of coastal adaptation and response. Panels will focus on learning latest best practices, strategies, and plans from researchers, federal, provincial, and local government representatives, and non-governmental organizations and networks. Each day concludes with discussion rooms to reflect on the topics of the day and promote networking.
“The impacts of coastal hazards and climate change don’t stop at municipal boundaries. Experts from government, academia, NGOs, and service agencies often explore these risks from very different perspectives. Events like the National Forum provide essential opportunities for us to come together to share our knowledge and expertise and work together to help enhance the nation’s coastal resilience,” said Dr. Ryan P. Reynolds, Post Doctoral Research Fellow with the School of Community and Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia. He will be moderating a panel on collaboration between local government and non-government organizations (NGOs).
At this second National Forum, each day will explore a theme. Day one focuses on Resilience Planning and Partnerships. It will examine the role of key players such as different levels of government and how they can work together to support coastal communities in the face of growing and emerging threats.
On day two, the National Forum will explore Disaster Recovery and Lessons. The frequency of disasters has increased almost three-fold in the last decade, putting pressure on local communities to react and prepare for future events. Day two will focus on how different regions are addressing disasters and what insights can be shared.
The National Forum is free and open to members of the public, government, researchers, and industry who are working on coastal community adaptation. The event is fully virtual and will feature simultaneous French and English translation for presentations. Registration is required. Following the event, a Forum Report will be released sharing outcomes and key insights.
About the National Forum: The National Forum on Coastal Community Resilience brings together people living in coastal communities on all of Canada’s coasts to connect and share approaches for adapting to the hazards they face, from sea-level rise to major disasters and more. The first National Forum on Coastal Community Resilience took place on September 29 & 30, 2020. Read the 2020 Forum Report with outcomes and key insights from the first National Forum.
Media Inquiries: Evelyn Hornbeck, Communication Manager, MEOPAR, evelyn.hornbeck@meopar.ca
About MEOPAR: MEOPAR funds research, trains highly-qualified personnel, develops strategic partnerships, and works to support knowledge mobilization in marine challenges and opportunities for the benefit of the Canadian economy and society. As a Network, MEOPAR’s strength lies in its connections—to researchers, partners, organizations and communities, all of whom have an interest in learning more about the risks and opportunities in the marine environment.
