New Special Report Released: “Managed Retreat: Preparing Coastal Cities for Sea Level Rise”

The Decade Collaborative Centre for Coastal Resilience is proud to announce its participation in the newly published special report Managed Retreat: Preparing Coastal Cities for Sea Level Rise, developed by the Ocean & Climate Platform as part of the Decade Action Sea’ties.

This report addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time. According to the latest IPCC report, global sea levels could rise by over one meter by 2100 without immediate and drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. While this projection reflects a global average, it conceals significant variations and uncertainties at the local scale. Coastal cities—already home to dense populations and economic activity—are increasingly exposed to coastal erosion, flooding, land loss, saltwater intrusion, and ecosystem degradation. It is clear: adaptation must begin now, and it must be sustainable.

Among the range of adaptation strategies, managed retreat—also known as planned relocation—is one of the most complex and often controversial. Defined as a proactive effort to permanently move people, assets, and infrastructure away from high-risk areas, managed retreat requires long-term planning, strong governance, and shared narratives to overcome resistance and ensure equitable outcomes.

The report offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities linked to managed retreat, supported by case studies and expert insights from around the world. It aims to provide concrete guidance for policymakers and stakeholders engaged in coastal resilience planning.

The DCC-CR contributed to the report through the expertise of Nadia Pinardi (DCC-CR Director), Villy Kourafalou (DCC-CR Chief Scientific Officer), and Fernanda Terra Stori (DCC-CRJunior Programme Manager), furthering our commitment to building knowledge and promoting inclusive, science-based approaches to coastal adaptation.