Innovations in Coastal Management Technology communicated through Water Pistols and Poetry
Abstract:
Whilst the application of technology is important, it is equally vital that the scientific community actively raise awareness and understanding of coastal management policies and initiatives. To engage the public in understanding coastal hazard, how it is managed and how new advances in research informs management decisions, a portable demonstration model of the WireWall field rig has been developed. The tool is hands on, eye catching and user-friendly; and showcases new advances in technology to support coastal flood risk management thus educating the coastal community about changing hazard to promote public preparedness. This tool, which uses Lego and water pistols, has successfully initiated in situ engagement between the public, coastal practitioners and researchers to develop support for a new scheme being planned at the WireWall study site.
In addition, a narrated coastal walk has been developed with a local poet to highlight the importance of understanding coastal hazards and shoreline monitoring. A waymarked walk with mp3 narrations has been launched online. This multidisciplinary approach facilitates those in both the science and arts to share techniques and learn from one another with a view to improving interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. The walk, co-developed with a local policy makers, has inspired people to positively contribute to the public consultation on the 2030 Vision for the Coastal Park at the WireWall study site.
The wellbeing of coastal communities depends on clear communication of new research that is making sense of changing seas. Here we show approaches that can do just that.