Forging a Pathway to the Future
Sanibel and Captiva are gems along the Southwest Florida coastline. Full-time and seasonal residents, along with regular visitors, prize the lush landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and peaceful lifestyle that the islands have to offer. The islands have undergone significant change over time, and they will continue to face increasing stressors. Among these, climate change is of pressing significance, including the associated impacts of sea level rise, changes in extreme storm events, and overall precipitation patterns that can contribute to coastal flooding.
In complement to supporting healthy and functional ecosystems in Southwest Florida, SCCF is committed to helping the islands forge a successful pathway toward coastal resilience.
"Achieving coastal resilience is key to preserving what makes Sanibel and Captiva special both in the near term and into the future. Resilient ecosystems and communities have the ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from disruption."
— Coastal Resilience Manager Carrie Schuman, Ph.D.
Working Toward Resilience
Adaptation Planning
Achieving resilience requires planning across multiple scales. Planning for the impacts of coastal flooding for our islands mirrors efforts occurring at local, regional and state levels. SCCF advocates for green and hybrid infrastructures that incorporate natural habitats and materials to maintain the co-benefits and health of our local ecosystems.
Mitigation
Sanibel and Captiva have a chance to lead by example for our region by embracing renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing other economic and environmental benefits.
Policy
SCCF’s environmental policy team tracks and responds to important local, state, and federal policy around coastal resilience, water quality, land and habitat management, and wildlife conservation.
Education & Outreach
Becoming resilient means helping our local communities understand what resilience means and why we need to strive for it. We engage with new residents and visitors so they can understand the story of our islands and the unique future challenges we face as barrier islands.
Rebuilding for Resilience: A Guide to Incentives
Coastal Resilience News
Learn about Coastal Resilience
- Why Clamping Down on Net Metering Could Stifle Our Resilient Future
- Coastal Resilience Connections: Using Ocean Learning Interests as a Way into Deeper Conversations about Climate Change
- Coastal Resilience Connections: Harmful Algal Blooms
- Island Coastal Resilience Planning in the Spotlight
- Video: SCCF Discusses Coastal Resilience