INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COASTAL, MARINE AND MARITIME RESEARCH

Conference

Advancing Science, Innovation and Equity within the UN Oceans Decade

Coastal, marine, and maritime environments are under intensifying pressure from climate change, pollution, overexploitation, unsustainable development, and shifting geopolitical tensions. These interconnected challenges accelerate biodiversity loss, threaten livelihoods, deepen existing inequalities and ultimately undermine, progress toward global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

From a South African national perspective, insights from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan (CARP) underscore the need for integrated, inclusive, and adaptive responses that bridge science, policy, and local realities. Building coastal resilience requires innovative, multidisciplinary approaches that strengthen governance, incorporate traditional knowledge, and are grounded in social and environmental justice.

In this context, the International Conference on Coastal, Marine, and Maritime Research (COMMRE 2026) comes at the right time. The COMMRE 2026, jointly hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA), the DFFE and partners, offers a critical platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing cutting-edge research, local innovations, and transformative partnerships to address the urgent and complex challenges facing ocean and coastal systems.

Objectives of the Conference

• To foster cross-sectoral, inter, trans and multi-disciplinary dialogue on emerging issues in coastal, marine, ocean, and maritime research.
• To promote evidence-based solutions that enhance resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity in ocean governance.
• To facilitate inclusive knowledge exchange on innovative tools and technologies ranging from digital ocean platforms, blue carbon accounting, early warning systems, AI applications, and locally appropriate nature-based solutions.
• To cultivate youth leadership, early career ocean professionals (ECOPs), and institutional capacity in coastal and marine sciences.
• To contribute to shaping a shared continental and global agenda on coastal resilience and ocean governance.
• To spotlight indigenous, community-led, and gender-responsive approaches in coastal adaptation and maritime livelihoods.
• To explore and promote innovative financing models, enabling regulatory reforms, and strategic partnerships including climate and ocean finance instruments.
• To engender cross-disciplinary, intra/international collaborations in coastal, marine, ocean, and maritime research.