10130175Engaging communities in coastal eco-engineering: skills and services developmentClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThere is a significant lack of public awareness and engagement regarding sustainable coastal infrastructure. Communities often remain disconnected from eco-engineering projects, leading to underappreciation and inadequate support for these initiatives. In Swansea, the new biodiversity-enhancing seawall offers a unique opportunity to educate and involve the local population and visitors. The seawall is an innovative example of coastal engineering, but its benefits can only be fully realised if the community understands and values its purpose. Our project is a ground-breaking community engagement program centred around Swansea's new biodiversity-enhancing seawall. Unlike traditional awareness campaigns, we blend creative arts, citizen science, and educational outreach to build a deep and multifaceted connection between the community and their coastal environment. Our approach is interdisciplinary. We offer a holistic learning experience by integrating creative workshops, educational materials, seashore safaris, and wildlife guides. This approach engages diverse demographics, from schoolchildren to older residents. Further, participation will be hands-on. Community members can create their own biodiversity enhancing panels and moulds and join citizen science initiatives, providing tangible, interactive ways to contribute to environmental stewardship. Collaborations with local museums (Waterfront Museum, Swansea Museum, Glynn Vivian Gallery) to host exhibitions will showcase the seawall and community contributions, emphasising sustainable infrastructure and celebrating local engagement. Our multifaceted approach surpasses alternatives that rely on singular methods, ensuring long-term engagement and impact. This opportunity extends beyond Swansea. By developing a replicable model for community engagement, we can influence other coastal areas in the UK. The growing focus on climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure amplifies our project's relevance and urgency. Our innovative community engagement project not only addresses a critical need but also presents a scalable opportunity with substantial benefits. With public funding, we can build a knowledgeable, connected, and proactive community that supports sustainable coastal engineering now and in the future.