Defra are launching a competition with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to enhance the resilience, health and wellbeing of UK coastal communities and seas. The objectives are to:

• Apply place-based approaches seeking to transform our understanding of climatic, environmental, health, economic, social, and cultural factors affecting coastal communities and seas;
• Support the resilient management of UK coastal seas, coastal communities, and the natural capital these areas support by delivering the evidence base, tools and practical solutions needed to inform policy and apply transformative decision making, in collaboration with communities; and
• Build capacity and capability for transdisciplinary research and the mobilisation of research evidence within coastal communities and seas.

This funding opportunity for UK research organisations opens in April 2023. There will be a webinar to present the call and provide an opportunity to answer questions; sign up details will follow in the coming weeks.

Defra’s investment is through the Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme, which is providing evidence, tools and guidance to support Government ambition to integrate natural capital approaches into policy and decision making for marine and coastal environments.

Further information on the funding competition can be read here.