CoastPredict: Advancing Coastal Resilience through Integrated Observation, Prediction, and Cloud-Based Solutions

CoastPredict UN Ocean Decade Programme represents a cutting-edge initiative that integrates scientific advancements in coastal ocean observing and predicting with the aim of developing applications to support coastal resilience. CoastPredict will support multi-hazard early warning systems, climate risk assessment, and digital twins of the coastal ocean for ecosystems and environmental management and climate adaptation, by integrating observational data from satellites, existing in situ networks, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and citizen science into coastal models, and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) tools to underpin risk mitigation and resilience strategies.

The development of a flexible and interoperable 'GlobalCoast' distributed cloud infrastructure, will link a network of regional and Pilot Site data spaces and existing repositories—such as EMODnet, Copernicus —through a federated system with orchestrated workflows that will provide a cloud-based platform for high-resolution data sharing and analytic tools to ultimately bridge the end-to-end value chain from oceanographic data to user-focused applications. This system will enhance interoperability and real-time access to diverse data including from satellites and cost-effective in situ instruments, and will provide cloud-based computing capacity. 

The infrastructure will allow for scalable, region-specific cloud platforms, each tailored with customised models and high-resolution simulations for local needs. Furthermore it will support sharing and adaptation of existing prototypes for other regions, for example climate downscaling for risk assessment in the Adriatic Sea, multi-risk early warning systems for extreme events in the Savannah region, and digital twins for nature-based solutions in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Utilising Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), AI and ML driven services, CoastPredict’s cloud framework will enable adaptive, localised modelling, such as storm surge predictions and marine heat wave tracking, offering end users—including researchers, environmental managers, and coastal communities—actionable insights in response to evolving climate risks. 

*This abstract is proposed for IOC Session 1 - From science to shoreline: bridging knowledge,  policy and action for coastal resilience.