In South Africa, as in many other countries, terrestrial and marine planning have traditionally been separate exercises. Although there is growing understanding that planning must take account of both land and the sea, the multiple and diverse land-sea interactions are still poorly understood by researchers as well as stakeholder communities and decision-makers. Only an integrated approach can properly reflect the connectivity and diversity of the coastal and marine environment and the many connections humans have with coasts and oceans.

The CoastWise project brings together five complementary partner institutions to improve the integrated assessment of South Africa’s land-sea interface. Its aim is to enhance the available knowledge base for informed decision-making, filling important knowledge gaps, translating this knowledge into formats that can be used in spatial management, and building capacity in South Africa and the region.

CoastWise generates new data and knowledge on coastal ecosystems such as rocky shores and estuaries. It uses new and innovative technology such as high-resolution remote sensing, drones and visual surveys, but also includes social science components to identify socio-cultural knowledge and values. Scientific results are translated into new spatial layers that can be fed into GIS-based databases and maps where they can be used in decision-making.

A key objective of CoastWise is to raise awareness of the value of coastal and marine habitats among coastal communities and decision makers. Innovative digital communication tools (e.g. video briefs for ministers and expert YouTube clips for decision-makers) are combined with more classic policy briefs and direct interaction with governmental working groups. Other key beneficiaries include coastal and marine stakeholders, local communities, policy-makers, as well as scientists and students.