Coastal Future CoLabs: A Transdisciplinary Framework for Justice‐Oriented Coastal Erosion Management

Bianca Suarez, Malcolm S. Johnson, Edith Shum, Kianna M. Gallagher and Hevi K. Hardini
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Bianca Suarez: Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Australia / Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions, Australian National University, Australia
Malcolm S. Johnson: Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Australia / School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia / Huon Valley Council, Australia
Edith Shum: Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Australia / School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia
Kianna M. Gallagher: Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Australia / School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia
Hevi K. Hardini: Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Australia / Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia

Ocean and Society, 2026, vol. 3

Abstract: With 40% of the global population living coastally, accelerating coastal erosion threatens homes, livelihoods, ecosystems, and wellbeing. Despite the global scale of coastal erosion, most prevention, mitigation, and adaptation measures are undertaken at the local scale. Local councils and municipal governments are key decision-makers in this space but often operate with limited resources. Capacity building at this scale is therefore critical to avoid top-down, reactive approaches, which often compound negative impacts on biodiversity and community wellbeing. However, adaptation and mitigation tools tailored for local governments are limited. To address this gap, we co-developed a transdisciplinary conceptual framework grounded in blue justice principles with Huon Valley Council, a local government in Tasmania, Australia, in response to the challenges and needs of a coastal community within its jurisdiction, Garden Island Creek, experiencing high rates of coastal erosion. The Coastal Future CoLabs framework emerged through this co-production process as a novel integrated tool that considers the social, environmental, and governance aspects of coastal erosion. In doing so, the framework uniquely demonstrates how local councils can be supported to foster community-based, forward-looking approaches to coastal erosion. It offers a justice-oriented, adaptable tool and process for local governments worldwide facing similar issues associated with coastal erosion.

Keywords: blue justice; coastal erosion management; coastal governance; just adaptation; local government (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:ocesoc:v3:y:2026:a:12456

DOI: 10.17645/oas.12456

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