Water and associated natural hazards pose significant challenges to the East Frisian coastal region, both in short-term risk management and long-term adaptation to climate change. Key extreme events such as sea level rise, heavy rainfall, storm surges, groundwater recharge, and saltwater intrusion affect coastal protection and inland drainage, necessitating adjustments by municipalities and associations. Comprehensive information is essential to effectively address the local impacts of climate change and potential adaptation strategies. However, such information is often fragmented and inaccessible. In the second project phase, the concept of a Climate Adaptation Academy, developed in WAKOS I, will be implemented to reduce fragmentation and provide easily accessible information. The goal is to promote transdisciplinary exchange and support the implementation of appropriate adaptation measures to create a climate-resilient East Frisia.
The team of Ecological Economics was already involved in Consortium Project WAKOS I. In WAKOS II, a detailed analysis of vertical decision-making structures will be conducted to identify opportunities for promoting strategic communication and coordination mechanisms for regional climate adaptation. This aims to strengthen collaboration and local initiative while enhancing understanding of learning processes and changes through regular meetings with regional stakeholders. A particular focus lies on how adaptation capacity influences and is monitored in regional decisions. Additionally, the Chair of Ecological Economics is working to make existing information usable and to develop and implement a concept for knowledge transfer, with a focus on integrating these approaches into existing institutional structures both administratively and professionally.
