Coastal Zone Management pty ltd.

Identification and Implementation of Adaptation Response Measures to Drini-Mati River Deltas

Based on initial assessments of impacts of climate change in the DMRD, the Drini and Mati River Deltas (DMRD) were identified as areas of critical vulnerability to climate change and variability, on the northern Adriatic coast of Albania. The Government of Albania received a US$2.2M grant through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to assist Albania pilot identification and implementation of adaptation measures.

The project is a combination of technical and institutional capacity development, on-the ground adaptation measures, such as coastal dune habitat restoration, modification of DMRD protected area network planning and coverage, and other landscape-wide adaptation policy measures.

Review of Scarborough Beach Urban Design Masterplan

The Scarborough Foreshore has undergone significant changes in recent decades, both as a result of human development and the impact of natural climate variations. CZM provided expert advice to the City of Stirling on climate change vulnerability and risk assessment, contributing to the Climate Change Impact Assessment Component of the Scarborough Masterplan Review.

Working closely with all stakeholders, CZM undertook all phases of the project to deliver an overall set of recommendations to link into the design process. This included a map showing graphically the range of impacts relative to geomorphology and site layout. A specific summary of recommendations for Scarborough Surf Lifesaving Club, Amphitheatre, limestone walls and carparks to minimise impacts was also undertaken.

Coastal Zone Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Action Plan

CZM, in collaboration with Damara WA, completed both a strategic, and a site-specific risk assessment for the City of Mandurah, Western Australia. The project combined vulnerability and risk assessment approaches to deliver a spatially explicit risk assessment and adaptation action plan for the local government area. Specific adaptation actions for the area were developed by coastal compartment.

A detailed action plan that allowed the council to move beyond purely strategic adaptation was also delivered as part of the project. Funded under the Australian Government Local Adaptation Pathways Programme (LAPP), project objectives were met though the key work phases outlined in Climate Change Impacts and Risk Management: A guide for business and government.

Kiribati Adaptation Project - Pilot Implementation Phase (KAP II)

Kiribati is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change and sea level rise.  Most of the land in urban Tarawa is less than 3 metres above sea level, and the island has an average width of only 450 metres, rendering retreat adaptation options untenable.

CZM have been working with the Government for two years on the Global Environment Facility, AusAid and NZAID-funded Kiribati Adaptation Project (KAP II) to develop a co-ordinated coastal hazard risk diagnosis and planning process. CZM reviewed the existing Government of Kiribati approach to coastal hazard risk diagnosis and planning and designed a modified approach, based on best practice in ICZM, to progress to a more coordinated and effective approach to coastal hazard risk diagnosis and planning.

A primary Project objective was to build capacity to apply this process in key government agencies in Kiribati. This was achieved through two mechanisms; (i) training key government officials in risk assessment and adaptation planning; and (ii) developing a staged approach to mainstreaming climate change into the Government of Kiribati. An innovative three-tiered model to mainstreaming climate change was developed. The staged approach responded particularly to the Government of Kiribati capacity and resource constraints.

See the Kiribati Case Study for more about this project.

Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Action Plan, Murchison

Under the Local Adaptation Pathways Program (LAPP), the Shire of Murchison wanted to investigate climate change risks posed to the region and its constituents. The project assessed the vulnerability of the Murchison region to the impacts of climate change, and provided a locally coordinated approach to climate adaptation.

A series of consultation workshops were conducted in the region and created a sense of 'local ownership'. They also instilled capacity in key stakeholders to address the impacts of climate change, encouraging personal involvement in the development and implementation of the proposed adaptation actions. Once completed, the Shire was better able to understand risks of future climate change in the region, as well as the potential adaption options to address these risks.

Climate Change Risk Assessment for Australian Indian Ocean Territories

CZM were involved in investigating the climate change risks to the Cocos-Keeling and Christmas Islands, for the Australian Attorney General's Department. Working in conjunction with Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd and CSIRO, the CZM team completed the natural system component.

This included conducting a review of physical and biological characteristics of the islands, conducting a strategic assessment of impacts based on consequence/likelihood matrix, providing input into the development of success criteria, coordinating GIS data, and attending the risk assessment workshops.

CZM also provided expert advice on planning and governance issues on the islands.

Technology Needs Assessment (TNA)

CZM assisted the National Environment Service of the Cook Islands to produce a Technology Needs Assessment for Adaptation to Climate Change for the Cook Islands (from October-December 2008). The project determined country-specific needs related to adapting to climate change and involved a review of vulnerable key sectors, namely, health, agriculture and food security, water and the coastal zone.

CZM facilitated a workshop with key sector stakeholders to assess a list of soft and hard technologies for climate change adaptation. These options were prioritised through a participative process and barriers to technology implementation considered. Project outcomes included a detailed Consultancy Report as well as a report that will form part of the Cook Islands Second National Communication (SNC), titled, Technology Needs Assessment for Adaptation to Climate Change for the Cook Islands.

Outcomes from the Technology Needs Assessment for Adaptation will be used guide technology development towards adaptation to climate change within the Cook Islands priority sectors of health, water, agriculture and the coastal zone.

Peer review and technical advice for Kakadu National Park and Port Stephens

Under the National Coastal Vulnerability Assessment programme, a coastal vulnerability assessment was undertaken in Kakadu National Park. Working together with WBM BMT Consulting, CZM provided expert peer review services and on-going methodological advice on coastal vulnerability assessments, contributing to the final report on Adaptation Options to Potential Climate Change Impacts within the South Alligator River Catchment in Kakadu National Park.

CZM also provided similar peer review services on coastal vulnerability assessments conducted in Port Stephens, under the Local Adaptation Pathways Programme (LAPP).

CZM provided advice to guide both projects to align with Australian and international best-practice in coastal climate change risk assessments.

Cottesloe Climate Change Foreshore Vulnerability (CCFV)

Cottesloe is one of Western Australia's most well know coastal suburbs and one of the State's most famous beaches. Working together with the Town of Cottesloe, CZM facilitated the introduction of best practice coastal vulnerability assessment at a local scale.