Co-developing Decision Support System for Coastal Mangrove-based Socio-ecological Systems in Eastern and Western Africa (CoastMan)

The project (CoastMan) proposes co-production and uptake of a Multi-Criteria Decision Support System (DSS) that provides vulnerable communities and decision-makers a knowledge-based decision-making capacity for the restoration and conservation of socio-ecological systems. An interdisciplinary and trans-sectoral team is established in partnership with vulnerable groups to co-develop and uptake a DSS to promote mitigation and strategies that enhance the adaptive capacities of the mangrove socio- ecological systems in Eastern and western Africa.

Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data from extensive field research in coastal Tanzania and Ghana, extensive literature, and remote sensing, the project will

1. co-develop dynamic maps of drivers and risks of mangrove habitat loss;
2. support locally-led social-ecological and climate resilience through coordinated management of mangrove resources,
3. co-develop sustainable livelihood strategies for coastal communities,
4. co-design a novel multicriteria framework for mangrove restoration and conservation, and
5. co-develop a novel DSS.

We devised a co-production and dissemination strategy so that project outputs will assist in identifying mitigation strategies and enhancing adaptive capacities of the frontline coastal communities, including building their capacity needs in designing climate actions such as restoration and conservation of mangrove ecosystems.

Furthermore, the project will lead to improved knowledge and capacity of partner institutions through supporting early career researchers and promoting strengthened collaboration between partners and vulnerable coastal mangrove-dependent communities.