LwW at the Canadian Association of Geographers Annual Meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Living with Water was excited to participate in the 2024 Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) annual meeting in St. John’s, where this year’s theme, “Edges,” invited attendees to explore the intersections of disciplines, the pushing of boundaries, and the potential for transformative change. The focus on edges also highlighted the significance of amplifying voices and perspectives that often exist at the margins, encouraging a broader appreciation of unconventional scholarship.

During our session, led by Brent Doberstein, Shaieree Cottar Cottar, Devon Jones, Kees Lokman, and Matt Osler, we shared insights from our work on coastal adaptation. We discussed how our values-based approach integrates Indigenous and local perspectives to shape more effective and meaningful adaptation strategies. Our presentation also delved into innovative solutions, such as living dikes and managed retreat, while emphasizing the importance of developing governance structures that facilitate local, regional and federal collaboration and decision-making.

The session sparked engaging discussions and offered valuable feedback, which will help refine our ongoing work. Beyond our session, we were inspired by other presentations, particularly the keynote by Dr. Kate Sherren, who explored the cultural shifts required to reimagine landscapes in response to climate change. Her insights reinforced the importance of our collective efforts.

Participating in the CAG meeting was a great reminder of the value of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of our changing world. We left the conference energized and committed to advancing coastal adaptation solutions that are inclusive, integrated, and deeply rooted in community values.