The Sustainable Coastal Cities Research Consortium is a collaborative effort launched during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Sustainable Coastal Cities Symposium, an APEC-sponsored symposium held from 24 to 26 November 2021. Our goal is to address the challenges that coastal cities face due to their large population load, climate change, and sea level rise. With coastal regions representing 20% of Earth’s surface, it is crucial to find sustainable solutions. To achieve this, we are focusing on three key strategies outlined by the Malaysia Smart City Framework: smart economy, smart environment, and smart government.
Our vision is to create self-supporting coastal cities that can adapt to climate change, manage sea-level rise, and support important marine ecosystems. We envision coastal cities that can thrive sustainably, providing a high quality of life for its residents, while also preserving the environment for future generations.
- Engage in cutting-edge research with a network of international partners to develop innovative solutions for sustainable coastal cities.
- Conduct capacity-building and awareness-building activities with coastal communities to promote sustainable practices and empower local stakeholders.
- Make policy recommendations that protect marine ecosystems, preserve coastlines, and mitigate climate change.
Our work is guided by the following values:
- Research: We believe in the power of research to drive innovation and create solutions for sustainable coastal development.
- Networking: We foster collaborations with a diverse group of stakeholders to leverage knowledge, expertise, and resources.
- Capacity Building: We empower coastal communities and stakeholders through education and capacity building to promote sustainable practices and resilience.
- Sustainable Policies: We advocate for policies that prioritize the long-term health and well-being of coastal ecosystems and communities.
- Ecosystem Protection: We prioritise the protection and conservation of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources.