This panel critically explores the assumptions, triggers, catalysts and motivations for transformation in the contexts of coastal realms. We ask whether the concept of transformation is adequate to cope with the complexities of global social and environmental change and innovation, with aspirations for sustainable development set by the 2030 Agenda, but also with issues of power and representation across scale and social positioning as they manifest in coastal areas.
Many coastal areas are characterised by a high and even growing population density and strong urbanization trends today. Growing coastal populations and global environmental change, including effects of climate change and coastal hazards, are responsible for human-environment relations that get more and more under pressure. Yet, coastal societies have perpetuated and fostered innovation through the centuries to cope with prevalent risks, if we think of coastal protection systems, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), or “floating houses” as adaptation measures, amongst others. The 2030 Agenda addresses several aspects of coastal vulnerabilities and security in the context of sustainable development through its cohesive framework of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even though coastal areas are explicitly mentioned in only two of the agenda’s 169 targets (SDG 14, targets 14.2 and 14.5). By that, the 2030 Agenda also lays a foundation for innovation and transformation in coping with coastal vulnerabilities and directing sustainable futures.
