Pictured L-R: Dr Christina Kelly, Queens University Belfast; Dr Donna Weiner, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Geography, MIC; Prof. Patrick Heidkamp, Southern Connecticut State University; Dr John Morrissey, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, MIC; Noelle King, Postgraduate Researcher, Department of Geography, MIC; and Dr Heather Ritchie, Queens University Belfast.
Mary Immaculate College (MIC) welcomed researchers, policymakers, practitioners and representatives from across the coastal sector for the fourth International Coastal Transitions Conference, jointly organised by MIC and Southern Connecticut State University, from Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 August.
Held under the theme ‘Beyond Blue Economy – Critical, Practical and Ethical Directions for Coastal Prosperity’, the conference brought together an international community to examine how coastal regions can navigate growing environmental, social and economic pressures while moving towards more sustainable and equitable futures.
The three-day programme explored critical questions around the future of the ‘Blue Economy’, including concerns around extractive practices and ‘blue washing’, while considering how governance, technology and policy can support coastal prosperity rooted in ecological integrity and social equity.
Building on the Coastal Transitions Conferences held in 2017, 2020, and 2023, the event provided an interactive, transdisciplinary space for dialogue between the scientific research community, government, NGOs and business. The programme featured research presentations, workshops and invited speakers, with participants examining practical approaches to building more inclusive and resilient coastal communities.
Speaking following the conference, Dr John Morrissey, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at MIC and organiser of the Coastal Transitions Conference, said:
"We were delighted to welcome old friends and new to MIC for the fourth International Coastal Transitions Conference. As pressures on our coasts, oceans, rivers and climate continued to intensify, the conference offered a vital space to explore new ideas and advance critical dialogues on coastal prosperity, ecological integrity and social equity. We had an exciting programme of papers, workshops and invited speakers which made for an inspiring, collaborative and enjoyable few days."
Professor Paul Aplin, Head of the Department of Geography at MIC, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome such a diverse group of researchers, practitioners and stakeholders to MIC for our Coastal Transitions event. The conference demonstrated the value of bringing different perspectives together to challenge assumptions and consider how we can respond to the complex issues facing coastal communities. We hope the conversations that began here will continue to inform research, policy and practice well beyond the conference itself.”
The conference builds on a series of international Coastal Transitions events that have contributed to ongoing research and scholarship on coastal resilience, sustainability and the Blue Economy.
