The AAORIA/Ocean20 hybrid workshop took place on 3 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre as a side event at the 14th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO). The event brought together scientists, innovators, institutional partners and regional stakeholders to explore how innovation can drive and enhance coastal resilience through new technologies, collaborative platforms and scientific research. 

The session opened with welcoming remarks from Dr Tamaryn Morris (Ocean and Polar Coordinator at SAEON’s Egagasini Node), who encouraged participants to view coastal resilience not merely as a problem to solve, but as an opportunity to reimagine how science, policy and innovation can intersect to meet evolving societal needs.

The opening presentation was delivered virtually by a representative from the German Marine Research Consortium, who introduced the All-Atlantic Coastal Resilience Hub. This collaborative platform connects local communities, researchers and policymakers across the Atlantic to share solutions, experiences and knowledge. The hub promotes co-designed science, citizen action and knowledge exchange, and includes a toolkit of practical strategies for addressing coastal challenges such as flooding, erosion, sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Panel discussion: Innovation in action 

A vibrant panel discussion followed, exploring a range of perspectives on how innovative technologies and approaches can contribute to climate resilience. The discussion highlighted the importance of making data more affordable and accessible, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Panellists shared insights into the development of durable, cost-efficient sensors for coastal zones, and the integration of local climate research with real-world issues. There was strong emphasis on linking innovation to daily livelihoods through digital tools and data-driven platforms, empowering decision-makers and users at various levels.

The conversation also addressed the potential of climate finance to unlock grassroots innovation, and the critical role of presenting scientific knowledge in ways that resonate with both policymakers and the wider public. Throughout the discussion, the value of a transdisciplinary approach – bridging science, policy and practical implementation – was a recurring theme.

The session closed with an interactive Q&A facilitated by Shannon Hampton from AfriSeas, followed by final reflections from each panellist on the future of collaborative ocean actions, particularly in the context of the Ocean20 and All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) frameworks. The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration, knowledge-sharing and practical action.

Throughout the event, graphic harvester Sonja Niederhumer visually captured the workshop’s discussions and themes through live graphic harvesting, an engaging and creative way to document the exchange of ideas, making complex conversations more accessible and memorable.