On 4 July 2024, an expert dialog on nature-based coastal protection took place at Ecologic Institute in Berlin. This event was intended to foster cross-sector dialogues between experts from different fields and thus contribute to the further development of nature-based coastal protection in order to meet the challenges of climate change and protect biodiversity in coastal regions. The expert dialog was held as part of the MEER:STARK project, and the agenda can be found here.

Program overview

The expert dialog started in hybrid form and, after a lecture-based introduction, switch to a dialog for the participants. After the welcome to the workshop, various projects and initiatives on nature-based coastal protection were presented by experts.

In addition, it is still possible to take part in a survey within the MEER:STARK project. The aim is to gain insights from various stakeholders on the topic of climate change adaptation and marine protection. You can find the survey here. The preliminary results of the survey were presented at the expert dialog by Nico Stelljes. Gregory Fuchs will also provided insights into the link between climate adaptation and marine protection. 

The expert dialog continued in a purely face-to-face event and the focus was on discussion and exchange between the participants. 

Discussion points and objectives

The central aim of the event was to strengthen the network between stakeholders and deepen understanding of the role of local actors in coastal protection. It was discussed how cooperation between different stakeholders can be improved and how the public can be more comprehensively informed about these issues. 

The different presentations and a summary (in German) of the workshop can be found below.