Helping coastal communities with climate change

Posted on 7 January 2009

Checking out dune plants

Coastal communities are under increasing threat from climate change. But there are ways to reduce the effects of rising sea levels...

At a recent workshop organised by Greater Wellington in Otaki, over 60 people from around the region learned about coastal ecology, dune restoration and how to help protect dunes from the effects of climate change and sea level rise.

"It's all about helping communities to help themselves. By restoring the dunes with native sand-binding plants, we can make the coastline more resilient to storm surges," Robyn Smith, Greater Wellington's Community Environmental Projects Coordinator says.

Strolling along Waitohu's beach

In the morning there were several presentations by the Dune Restoration Trust followed by field trips to the Waitohu, Waikanae and Island Bay dunes. All these sites are being restored by care groups under the Take Care Programme with Greater Wellington.

"The feedback from participants was fantastic. They really appreciated getting information and ideas from some of the most experienced dune restoration people in the country."

Greater Wellington works in partnership with dune restoration groups around the region, providing financial support and expert advice. You can get involved by contacting your nearest coastal care group.

The workshop was held at the Otaki Surf Lifesaving Club and jointly funded by the Ministry for the Environment, the Dune Restoration Trust and Greater Wellington.