ABPmer and Archipelago launch coastal adaptation communication service
December 6, 2011
ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd (ABPmer) is working with Archipelago to provide visualisation and engagement tools to help people understand the meaning of coastal change and adaptation so that they can fully participate in the future planning of their coasts.
The combined offer includes the mapping of changing coastlines, modelling of adaptive management options, 3D visualisations, animations and fly-throughs that can be provided as a hi-definition DVD, online streaming video, desktop video presentations, and fully interactive learning tools.
In the recent past, constructing defences has been the main way of dealing with the risks of flooding and coastal erosion. Physical defences remain a vitally important part to managing flood and coastal erosion risk, however they are costly to build and maintain and may not always be the most sustainable option. They can also impact on the environment, on recreation and on the appearance of an area.
With climate change set to increase the risks, alternatives to physical defences are becoming more and more important. Defra has therefore been developing approaches to flood and coastal erosion risk management based around the idea of adaptation, as well as more traditional approaches to managing risk such as physical defences.
Stephen Hull, Business Development Director at ABPmer said “ Government is working to develop a range of approaches to support community adaptation to coastal change, particularly in those communities where it will not be possible to defend. This presents a change in the way the coast may have been managed up until now and can naturally cause distress to the community concerned. To help those people affected to participate in discussions, it is important that they understand what adaptation means in their region.
We are delighted to work with Archipelago who specialises in the communication of environmental issues. ABPmer’s Processes team are at the forefront of understanding how the coast might respond to changing needs and pressures and regularly provide services to the coastal management sector. By joining with Archipelago, we can provide an integrated outreach service that gives this knowledge directly to the wider community .”
Joe Jones, Achipelago’s Creative Director, said, “ We have developed a unique animation style that can convey fairly complex scientific detail, or explanation of ecological processes, in an engaging and accessible way. In working with ABPmer, we can share their significant experience of coastal and marine processes to inform coastal communities about all aspects of coastal management and adapting to climate change .”
ABPmer is a leading provider of specialist advice and technical expertise to the coastal management sector. ABPmer has considerable experience in modelling and mapping changing coastlines in response to different climate change scenarios and is the market leader in managed realignment and habitat creation design having undertaken numerous schemes from inception through to post scheme monitoring for over a decade.
An example of this exciting communication method is available at: http://www.abpmer.net/video/medmerryrealignment.htm
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Enquiries:
Tracey Hewett
Tel: 02380 711844
