CoastPredict: the GlobalCoast framework for accelerated coordination of an integrated global system for coastal ocean observing and prediction

The CoastPredict Programme, an endorsed Programme of the Ocean Decade, has established a central framework for coordination and practical implementation called ‘GlobalCoast’. GlobalCoast will coordinate implementation and integration of the science and technology advances from CoastPredict’s six Focus Areas at Pilot Sites in a range of contrasting Regions of the Global Coastal Ocean, using and developing best practice principles in observing, data management, modelling and co-design. The Programme Focus Areas projects address priorities related to coastal resilience including: Integrated observing and modelling for short term coastal forecasting and early warnings; Future Coastal Ocean climates: Earth System observing and modelling; Solutions for integrated coastal management; Coastal information integrated in an open and free international exchange infrastructure; Equitable coastal ocean capacity.

GlobalCoast will overcome a number of existing barriers including: the lack of an international network for Global Coastal Ocean innovation and solutions for integrated observing and prediction, and associated fragmentation of knowledge; the particular challenge regarding open and free data access in the Global South; the lack of end-user (coastal managers / communities) involvement and the long timeframe currently required to demonstrate solutions.  

Through GlobalCoast, CoastPredict will demonstrate (at Pilot Sites) an integrated observing and predicting system for the global coastal ocean and create globally replicable solutions, standards, and applications that enhance coastal resilience. A global digital cloud-based infrastructure will be key to acceleration - the cloud-based computing platform will enable accelerated data collection and open and free data sharing, and advancement of modelling and analysis tools, aligned with best practices.