National and International Experts Gather at UCC to Advance Coastal Nature-Based Solutions

3 Jul 2026

Researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and community stakeholders gathered at University College Cork (UCC) on 30th June for a workshop examining the role of nature-based solutions in restoring coastal ecosystems and building climate resilience.

The workshop was opened with a recorded by address by Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and speeches from conference organiser, Dr Louise Firth and Professor Antony Knights, Head of the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences. 

Speakers explored how nature-based solutions can enhance biodiversity, reduce coastal hazards and contribute to more resilient coastal communities. Presentations highlighted emerging research on saltmarsh restoration, oyster reef recovery, regenerative ocean farming, biogenic habitat restoration and community-led approaches to biodiversity protection.

Researchers from UCC/Sustainabillity Institute  were joined by colleagues from University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Munster Technological University and the University of Galway, demonstrating the growing national collaboration in coastal restoration research.

The event also welcomed international perspectives, including keynote contributions from Professor Katherine Dafforn of the Stone Living Lab in Boston Harbour. Professor Dafforn shared experiences of implementing nature-based solutions in urban coastal environments and highlighted opportunities for international knowledge exchange.

A panel discussion, The Five Voices of the Coast, brought together representatives from government, science, practice, industry and civil society to examine the challenges and opportunities facing coastal restoration initiatives. Discussions emphasised the importance of collaboration across sectors to ensure successful implementation and long-term environmental outcomes.

Participants also took part in a stakeholder workshop linked to the BlueShores project, exploring approaches to hybrid saltmarsh restoration in Cork. Discussions focused on site selection, governance pathways, implementation challenges and opportunities to scale nature-based solutions across Ireland's coastlines.

The workshop concluded with an expert roundtable on evidence, monitoring and implementation, reinforcing the value of research partnerships and stakeholder engagement in delivering effective coastal restoration projects.

The event forms part of ongoing efforts at UCC and through projects including BlueShores to develop innovative, evidence-based approaches to coastal restoration and nature-based solutions that benefit both people and nature.