Mission
To better understand and address the barriers and opportunities to adapting to climate change among marine conservationists, resource users and industries.

Adaptation of marine-dependent industries and communities to climate change occurs through social processes (e.g. the most efficient adaptation strategy may be ineffective if there are counter values and cultural norms that preclude its implementation). Similarly, assessing the vulnerability of marine-dependent industries and communities to climate change requires understanding of both the sensitivity of those industries and communities to climatic changes, as well as their capacity to respond to those changes (adaptive capacity). Thus, the aim of the Communities Theme is to better understand and address the barriers and opportunities to adapting to climate change among conservationists, marine resource users and the industries which depend on them.

Apart from dissemination of information, the Communities Theme is actively working on several major initiatives to help build the capacity of marine researchers, communities, decision makers, and industries to respond to climate change. Some of these initiatives include:
• Development of an on-line social and cultural meta-database of relevant climate change adaptation research nationally and internationally;
• A toolkit for participatory marine research projects – including protocols for participatory research; case studies; and other examples of “how to” undertake participatory research with marine resource users; and
• A searchable calendar of events (e.g., workshops, conferences, and forums) relevant to Network stakeholders.

While many studies have focused on the adoption of new technologies and practices of marine industries, few studies have focused on the ability of marine-dependent industries and communities to adapt to climate change.

The Communities Theme provides a mechanism for marine researchers, communities, decision makers, and industries to access the tools and information needed to better respond to climate change.

To engage with the Communities theme, please forward your contact details to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) .