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Planning with Nature: Workshop Materials for Adaptation to Sea-Level Rise

Planning with Nature: Workshop Materials for Adaptation to Sea-Level Rise

About the Project

Using case studies of real-world applications, this project developed a training curriculum for coastal managers to advance nature-based coastal adaptation strategies, achieve consistency in practices, and think creatively about site-relevant solutions to rising sea level. The project piloted the training curriculum at two collaborative workshops. The training curriculum can be used by others to more effectively disseminate best practices to address critical coastal management issues.

About this Resource

This set of resources supports nature-based adaptation training for coastal managers. The resources can be used to host a workshop modeled off of the one utilized by the project team. The workshop assists in the implementation of the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Framework, a framework developed by Point Blue Conservation Science and the San Francisco Estuary Institute, in partnership with the County of Marin.

Workshop Goals 

  • Participants will be able to articulate the benefit of nature-based solutions for climate-related adaptation measures.
  • Participants will be able to create a plan for their own adaptation development process, including identifying collaborators/expertise needed.
  • Participants will be able to educate others on the various nature-based options available, and link those options to specific site characteristics and needs.

Workshop Resources

Sample Participant Agenda

This sample agenda can be used by workshop planners to communicate workshop information with participating attendees.

Coastal Watershed Game

The Watershed Game is an interactive educational tool that allows players to explore connections between land management, vulnerabilities to flooding, and downstream water quality. Use the Watershed Game as an ice breaker to set the stage for a successful workshop. The game provides a lively and fun environment for workshop participants to get to know each other and become more familiar with key concepts.

Implementing the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Framework

Learning how to utilize the Sea Level Adaptation Framework in unique contexts is a central purpose of this workshop. These instructions guide workshop planners and facilitators through five steps to implementing the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Framework. Each step includes a small group breakout activity.