Official Side Event of the United Nations Ocean Conference: Bringing Local Wisdom and Innovation for Coastal Communities Resilience
According to the IPCC, around 680 million people currently live in low-lying coastal zones—a number expected to rise to one billion by 2050. Of these, 65 million reside in Small Island Developing States, all of whom are particularly vulnerable due to the intensification of climate-related hazards such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events.
Embedded within these communities are rich traditional ecological knowledge systems, passed down through generations, passed down through generations, that have long informed how people could live and adapt to the environmental dynamics of their environment. This local knowledge is not only culturally significant, but also deeply practical – from managing potential risk of disaster, supporting sustainable use of the marine resources, and protecting marine biodiversity.
At the same time, these communities must also leverage scientific advancements and technological innovations in climate adaptation. The integration of modern science, digital tools, and engineering solutions—ranging from early warning systems and nature-based solutions to climate-resilient infrastructure—presents new opportunities for building coastal resilience. Yet despite their vast potential, these innovations often overlook or underutilize the deep-rooted knowledge that local communities possess.
This side event will explore how bridging local and traditional knowledge with scientific and technological innovation can strengthen climate resilience in coastal and island communities—while advancing sustainable ocean-based livelihoods and inclusive development.
