Presenter(s):
Annie Tamalavage, Smithsonian environmental research center
Lucy Carruthers, East Carolina University Department of Coastal Studies
Zoë Shribman, Tulane University

Primary Convener:
Hannah Morrissette, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

​​Mangrove ecosystems intrinsically support coastal communities, by bolstering livelihoods, providing access to resources, and protecting shorelines. In addition to these services, conserving and restoring mangroves and other blue carbon ecosystems are possible solutions for meeting national emissions targets or other climate change mitigation goals. The science for achieving these goals, through activities such as quantifying carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions in mangrove ecosystems, is both increasing and improving. However, long-term project sustainability and management effectiveness also depend on how well-received these efforts are by the communities whose livelihoods are tied to these valuable ecosystems. Working with communities for developing coastal science merges academic and local ecological knowledge, guiding realistic research and providing applicable data. Learning from successful implementations on engagement and co-development strategies will help create sustainable coastal science efforts across disciplines. This town hall will feature presentations and a Q and A with a panel of experts working on community-based research within coastal ecosystems.