The resilience of coastal areas is crucial to preserve ecosystems, protect the livelihoods of local communities, and support adaptation to climate change. CMCC welcomed an international delegation of scientists and officials from countries of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to its Lecce headquarters, as part of a high-level training programme aimed at improving safety and resilience in coastal communities.

The visit took place during the specialized course “Improving Safety for Coastal Communities in the IORA Countries: Managing, Adapting and Mitigating Anthropogenic Pressures,” organized by CIHEAM Bari with the support of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Approximately 15 delegates from IORA member states – including India, Seychelles, and Mauritius – participated in the initiative, which seeks to strengthen institutional dialogue and foster cooperation between the Mediterranean region and Indian Ocean countries.

A focus on climate adaptation for coastal regions

The day at CMCC was dedicated to “Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planning for Coastal Regions,” offering participants an in-depth look at scientific and operational approaches to managing climate risks in coastal environments.

Coastal zones are central to both economic activity and community livelihoods. In island nations such as Seychelles and Mauritius, protecting coastal ecosystems is essential to sustaining fisheries, tourism, and local economies in the face of climate change.

From science to decision-making

CMCC researchers presented a range of tools and methodologies designed to support evidence-based decision-making, including:

• Operational forecasting systems, already implemented in several regions worldwide, to anticipate marine and coastal conditions
• Digital twins of the coastal ocean, enabling advanced simulations for planning and risk assessment
• Strategic international programmes such as the GOOS and Ocean Decade Programme CoastPredict, which connect global observing and forecasting networks
• Research on coastal ecosystem services, highlighting their environmental and economic value
• Nature-based solutions to enhance coastal resilience and reduce climate impacts

The sessions emphasized how integrated observation systems, predictive models, and data platforms can help governments and institutions better prepare for extreme events, sea-level rise, and other climate-related risks.

Building bridges across regions

The visit also provided an opportunity to explore future collaborations between CMCC and institutions across the Indian Ocean region. By sharing expertise and best practices, the initiative aims to support countries that are already actively working to adapt to climate change and strengthen the resilience of their coastal communities.

As climate pressures intensify, initiatives like this training programme play a key role in connecting science, policy, and practice across regions. The collaboration between CMCC, CIHEAM Bari, and IORA countries represents a step forward in building a global network of expertise dedicated to protecting vulnerable coastal communities.