The Issue
The impacts of climate change, specifically sea level rise, will be exacerbated in ecosystems that are less intact and functional, including subtidal environments and baylands habitats. Many low-income people and people of color reside in low-lying coastal areas that are susceptible to flooding, which will become more severe as storm surges increase and sea levels rise. The next 15 years are a critical time to test and implement new restoration practices to increase the ability of shoreline habitat to continue to serve as a critical asset in flood protection.
Our Approach
Nature-based adaptation, while an emerging field, is seen as having great potential to mitigate the effects of sea level rise. This initiative will support small to moderate, high priority restoration projects located within Marin that advance regional baylands ecosystem habitat goals, particularly ‘living shoreline’ concepts, including native oyster and eelgrass habitats, and tidal marshes.
At the same time, this innovative approach will support the education and engagement of the public, particularly under-served youth and directly-impacted communities, in restoration efforts, where possible. It will also support capacity building among critical partners in order to translate scientific data and analysis into practical solutions for broader implementation.
Grantmaking
This initiative is a partnership between the Buck Family Fund of MCF and the California State Coastal Conservancy. Funding for new projects will not be available after the 2019 application cycle. For information about other potential resources available through the Coastal Conservancy, contact Marilyn Latta, Project Manager, State Coastal Conservancy, at Marilyn.Latta@scc.ca.gov or 510-286-4157.
Current Grantees
Reports & Resources
Reports
Achieving a Climate For Health
Philanthropy to Promote Health and Justice through the Challenges of Climate Change
View ResourceAdvancing Nature-Based Adaptation Solutions in Marin County
Courtesy California State Coastal Conservancy and Marin Community Foundation, 2017
View ResourceMarin Shoreline Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment - Bay Waterfront Adaptation & Vulnerability Evaluation
Prepared by BVB Consulting LLC for Marin County Department of Public Works, April 2017
View ResourceApplying Resilience Thinking: Seven Principles for Building Resilience in Social-Ecological Systems
Courtesy of Stockholm Resilience Centre and Stockholm University
View ResourceRising Seas in California - An Update on Sea Level Rise Science
Produced by a Working Group of the California Ocean Protection Council Science Advisory Team (OPC-SAT), supported and convened by the California...
View ResourceWhen Rising Seas Hit Home: Hard Choices Ahead for Hundreds of U.S.Coastal Communities
Courtesy of the Union of Concerned Scientists, July 2017
View ResourceResources
San Francisco Chronicle | Rising reality: Bay Area Bracing for Rising Sea Levels