Coast
The NPA funded project, Sustainable Resilient Coasts – COAST, focuses on the future challenges and development of coastal areas in the Nordic region. The main objective of COAST is to develop a Toolbox for local authorities, focusing on SMART Blue Growth, based on principles of Sustainability, Mitigation, Planning, Adaptation, Resilience and Transition. The Toolbox is including practical guidance to support the protection, promotion and future development of the unique natural and cultural heritage of the coastal zone within and beyond the NPA region. Three key actions were undertaken in COAST:
1) A literature review and survey of local authorities in the partner regions to identify potential applications of drone technology to support coastal management;
2) A case study in County Mayo on the use of drone technology for a seaweed resource assessment; and
3) A case study in Rathlin Island on the use of drone technology for digital heritage protection, preservation and promotion.
COAST brings together five partners from the Nordic region; the Agricultural University of Iceland (lead partner), Oulu University of Applied Sciences in Finland, MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine at University College Cork in Ireland, Mayo County Council in Ireland, and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust in Northern Ireland.
COAST is a 30 months project that started in March 2020.