Conference Themes

The ninth international meeting on the Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas (EMECS 9) will focus on scientifically sound, sustainable restoration approaches, ensuring accountability and effective communication for successful integrated management of coastal seas. The conference will draw on lessons and case studies from around the world. It will address the following themes:

Accountability: measuring progress toward sustainable and integrated coastal seas management; tools for measuring progress and reporting results; understanding trajectories of change
Sustainable Approaches: sharing case studies and lessons learned in coastal seas restoration, pollution prevention, and long-term protection; adapting to climate change; and valuing business and economics in coastal management
Finance and Funding: investigating new, innovative and sustainable ways to support restoration, conservation, and pollution prevention efforts; judicious investment and methods for targeting cost-effective and innovative restoration practices
Multilateral Partnerships: assessing institutional models for shared governance and environmental stewardship;paradigms for multi-lateral partnerships between federal, state, and local government, academic institutions, businesses, and nongovernmental actors; partnerships for improved management of transboundary coastal seas
Innovative Education and Communication: integrating web-based technologies with creative and effective classroom and outdoor education; engaging citizens in two-way information exchange and involvement; communicating effectively to increase public awareness and citizen involvement; effective outreach through meaningful storytelling
Underlying Science: the latest science on the development and assessment of sustainable approaches for integrated coastal seas restoration and management