Coastal Communities South

Coastal Communities South (CCS) is an emerging network bringing together researchers, coastal communities, industry partners, policymakers and practitioners across the South Coast. Our shared purpose is to help coastal places become healthier, happier, more prosperous, and environmentally sustainable.

By connecting people, evidence and action, CCS aims to strengthen collaboration across sectors and ensure that research and lived experience inform practical solutions for coastal challenges.

Our vision

Coastal Communities South is a collaborative initiative between the Future Towns Innovation Hub, the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) and iPACT (infrastructure for Port cities And Coastal Towns) at the University of Southampton.

Together, we are building an interdisciplinary network that creates space for:

• clearly defining the challenges facing coastal places
• co-creating solutions with communities and partners
• translating evidence into practical, place based action

The network draws on the University of Southampton’s strengths in research excellence, civic engagement and regional partnerships to support meaningful and lasting change along the South Coast.

Our core aims

Coastal Communities South seeks to:

• build a visible, connected and collaborative network of stakeholders across the South Coast
• define the key challenges facing coastal communities, including environmental pressure, economic transition and social change
• develop a roadmap for strengthening coastal wellbeing, resilience and opportunity
• influence policymakers, regulators, industry and funders through clear, evidence led insights
• create coherence between research, student projects and civic engagement focused on coastal issues
• provide a unified voice when engaging with external partners and regional and national forums

Join the network

We welcome researchers, community organisations, practitioners, policymakers and industry partners who share our commitment to the future of coastal communities.
Join the Coastal Communities South network by completing our short sign up form .