PEOPLE along the Solway coast are being invited to envision the future of their coastal and marine environment.
The Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) will hold a series of community collaboration events over the next month.
They are seeking to explore community-driven initiatives to enhance biodiversity both underwater and along the coast – benefiting people, nature, and the planet.
And those passionate about the coast and seas are encouraged to participate in the picnic discussions coming up at Annan and Wigtown.
It will explore ways to restore underwater habitats, such as seagrass and oyster beds in the west, and saltmarshes and coastal woodlands.
Insights from all these discussions will shape the Solway Coast and Marine Project, an ambitious 15-year initiative aimed at revitalising 200 miles of the Solway coastline amid rising water temperatures.
Gail Macgregor, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “Dumfries and Galloway has a huge coastline and the coast plays an important role in the day-to-day lives of many of our region’s communities.
“The project will collaborate with coastal communities – our ‘Coastodians’ – to explore nature-based solutions, addressing climate change impacts and biodiversity loss. This presents significant opportunities for meaningful green investment, creating a model for future marine and coastal restoration.”
Clair McFarlan, of the Solway Firth Partnership, added: “These co-design events aim to support communities and community projects to act and help their coastal and marine environment. As nature restores then communities can reap the benefits from clean air, clean water, and a stunning natural environment. We will have better wellbeing, more nature-based tourism, education opportunities and the growth of nature related businesses. Nature-based solutions can also help communities adapt to rising sea levels and more severe weather events that are attributed to climate change.”
