Cape Town, South Africa – The upcoming AAORIA/Ocean20 Workshop on Coastal Resilience and Innovative Technologies is set to take place as a hybrid side event at the 14th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO) on 3 April 2025, at 11:00 SAST. The workshop will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and accessible online via Zoom (Meeting ID: 814 0082 2008 | Passcode: 1sEp86Rx).
Organised under the OKEANO Coordination and Support Action, this event aims to engage stakeholders in discussions on coastal resilience and the role of innovative technologies in monitoring and protecting vulnerable coastlines. This meeting, hosted by NRF-SAEON in cooperation with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) South Africa, aligns with ICSHMO 2025 to maximise stakeholder participation.
Workshop focus and objectives
The workshop will explore critical coastal resilience challenges and the potential of innovative, accessible technologies in addressing them. Key discussion points include:
- Identifying critical observation areas along the West African coastline (from South Africa northwards)
- Exploring how local communities, municipalities, NGOs, and industries can participate in coastal monitoring
- Evaluating the sensor technologies that could be adapted or developed to enhance data collection and coastal resilience strategies
The OKEANO Coastal Resilience Knowledge Hub will be presented at this workshop, providing insights into how this initiative can support local and regional efforts in coastal conservation and resilience planning.
Additionally, this workshop connects with Ocean20 South Africa, an initiative spearheaded by NRF-SAEON, which drives coastal resilience and conservation efforts through collaboration between financing institutions, sensor developers, and coastal resource managers. With representatives from South Africa, Namibia, and Brazil, the event will also foster South-South cooperation within AAORIA.
Key details
This workshop is a valuable opportunity for scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to engage in meaningful discussions on advancing coastal resilience through technological innovation.
📅 Date: 3 April 2025
📍 Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre & Online via Zoom
🔗 Zoom Details: ID: 814 0082 2008 | Passcode: 1sEp86Rx
📢 Follow the conversation on social media: #ICSHMO2025 #Ocean20 #AAORIA #Innovation