The Coastal Resilience Collective aims to create connections across sectors and regions to facilitate knowledge transfer among those working in climate resilience in coastal South Carolina. On October 8, 2024, the Coastal Resilience Collective project team presented their findings from a recent resilience needs assessment survey focused on identifying key priorities and recording current collaborative partnerships. The team also analyzed county-led comprehensive plans (planning documents used to guide decision-making) to identify resilience efforts from 14 South Carolina counties representing the coastal watersheds in the Pee Dee, Santee, Edisto, Salkehatchie, and Savannah River Basins.
The Consortium’s Coastal Climate and Resilience Specialist Amanda Guthrie and Coastal Resilience Community of Practice Graduate Assistant Zachary Fogleman identified key takeaways from the survey results including a broad interest in less-frequently addressed climate hazards such as groundwater and extreme heat, as well as support for more resilience-focused information sharing and coordination efforts. Analysis of county comprehensive plans suggested a pattern of retroactive resilience planning efforts related to rain-based flooding compared to a pattern of forward-looking planning related to sea level rise projections, as well as a pattern of agreement on the resilience value of wetlands and marshes despite infrequent resilience planning focused on these resources.
The survey engaged 226 responders spanning academic, non-profit, private, and government (local, state, and federal) sectors. Responders reported 4400 collaborative connections related to resilience work within and between organizations across these sectors. Results indicate that state agencies and academic institutions serve as important hubs for knowledge sharing and collaboration and act as network bridges for local governments.
The results of this survey and analysis will be used to inform the Coastal Resilience Collective in facilitating regional and local collaborative meetings to enhance knowledge sharing across the region and support regional and local decision-making.
Visit the Coastal Resilience Collective webpage to learn more and sign up for their quarterly newsletter.
For questions and resources related to this survey, please reach out to Amanda Guthrie, Coastal Climate and Resilience Specialist.