The Resilient Coastal Communities and Seas Programme, which is also funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will help provide clean, healthy and protected seas while supporting coastal livelihoods. 

Simultaneously, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is also investing £9.5m in five projects that will research place-based approaches to an environmentally sustainable future, providing evidence to support local and national decision making.

The two sets of projects will help communities tackle a range of issues, including landfill waste release due to erosion and flooding, urban net zero retrofit challenges, conflict in transitions to sustainable living, public food procurement networks and understanding the importance of place in responding to climate change challenges

Together, they will develop a range of policy recommendations and toolkits to help communities across the UK build resilience to environmental and economic challenges, while ensuring an equitable green transition.

Head of the UKRI creating opportunities and improving outcomes strategic theme Professor Alison Park said: “Research that is firmly rooted in understanding local areas, underpinned by extensive collaboration, will be crucial to building resilient communities across the UK.

“Coastal areas are a particularly important part of this endeavour because of the specific challenges they face, including those resulting from climate change and economic inequality.

“These exciting new place-based projects are excellent examples of UKRI’s support for impactful research spanning the length and breadth of the UK.”

Defra’s chief scientific advisor Professor Gideon Henderson added: “This is a timely and critical research area requiring transdisciplinary work to understand the links between the coastal environments, economies and societies.

“This programme is another great example of close co-working between Defra and UKRI, and builds on our strengthening collaboration and partnership, harnessing the UK’s world-leading research expertise to address the environmental challenges we face.”