SLL Annual Conference 2021

The  Stone Living Lab  hosted its first annual research conference in October 2021 to bring together a diverse group of over 125 participants to discuss research needs and opportunities for coastal resilience in and around greater Boston harbor. Watch a video of the opening research lightning talks below.

The afternoon portion of the conference featured sessions of group discussions where participants could tackle some of the major questions facing community experts and researchers working in the coastal resiliency space. These questions were meant to help identify challenges and opportunities of working in coastal systems, as well as to determine what resources and approaches would be needed to effectively design and implement resiliency measures for Boston Harbor.

The first of the breakout sessions focused on what we know about our local environment, specifically Boston Harbor, and how we can better understand the system to identify solutions to enhance coastal resilience. As part of these discussions participants also considered how we can learn from coastal systems by conducting live experiments in science and engineering, determining opportunities and challenges of working within the system.

1. What about Boston Harbor do we need to better understand?
2. What are the barriers to conducting experiements in coastal systems?

In considering how to better understand Boston Harbor and surrounding areas, participants discussed how we need to better understand the people who make up our communities. This includes not just key actors and leaders whose voices are often heard the most frequently, but those who are currently living in these spaces, and those who have lived in these areas for years, shaping the culture and the environment. In this sense, the discussions covered how history influences present conditions and how past actions can contribute to potential environmental and cultural changes to come. Further, while we can learn from the past, there is a need for knowledge building in order to better understand changes that have occurred, as well as the changes that we will see in the future. Garnering knowledge then entails supporting research that focuses on producing useful information and data on the nature of the region, including the various ecosystems and climate conditions, and patterns of development, while recognizing that local indigenous knowledge is crucial to holistic understanding.

3. What are the priority locations on Boston Harbor's mainland and island shorelines for coastal resilience solutions, and why?

Participants identified a number of coastal locations around Boston they felt were important to prioritize for targeted resiliency efforts. These locations can be explored on the map below.

The second round of breakout sessions revolved on defining and differentiating resilience for natural and developed coastal systems. An important aspect of these discussions were the considerations of various ways that communities can support and work with nature to build resilience.

1. How does resiliency for a natural coastal system differ from that of a natural-based approach?

Participants identified differences in natural coastal systems and nature-based approaches. Both can be evaluated for resilience using different benchmarks such as resistance to flooding at certain tide levels, but the purpose of maintaining the two different areas are different. Natural systems are resilient on much longer timescales and can offer resilience to built environments.

2. How can an urban or altered shoreline be resilient or become more resilient?

Participants identified key categories of pathways to more resilent shorelines, both urban and altered. The four major categories were: public education, development, thoughtful design, and emphasizing natural functions.

3. What are some examples of inspuring and beneficial coastal resilience projects in Boston Harbor (or anywhere else), and what is good about them?

Below is a map that highlights inspiring stories of coastal resilience efforts that participants highlighted in their small groups from the Northeast region, nation, and world.

The final breakout session rounded out the conference to consider future outlooks and actions that will be needed to create a more resilient Boston Harbor. These conversations got more specific in discussing ways of measuring, defining metrics, considering tools available, and thinking about the co-benefits that can occur in working to adapt and enhance resilience.

1. What is your long-term vision for a resilient Boston Harbor?

Participants discussed ideas and projects they would like to see, as well as their visions for the future. This included considering how to measure success, as well as needs for flexibility and adaptability in the long-term as communities and environments continue to change. Timelines were important factors in these conversations as participants thought of measures that could be taken today that have lasting impacts for future generations. Such measures require consideration of how and when changes will occur, as well as who is involved and benefitting from proposed projects.

2. List as many co-benefits of a resilient waterfront/shoreline as you can think of.

Participants were asked to list as many co-benefits of a resilient Boston waterfront as possible. The majority of responses fell into the category of public enjoyment, showing that access and connection to coastal spaces for members of the public is top of mind for many of the participants.

3. What are the metrics of success?

A number of metrics of success were imagined by participants, but most of the responses fell into tracking biodiversity - coastal plants, organisms, and sea birds were all suggested as ways to track success. Keeping track of the number of active coastal resilience related policies and partnerships and evaluting the performance of coastal adaptations were the next most suggested metrics of success.

The Stone Living Lab’s first conference created a space in which various stakeholders could come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Boston Harbor when it comes to coastal resiliency and adapting to climate change. Reflecting on the discussions among participants throughout the various breakout sessions, it is clear that there are many ideas and factors to consider when thinking about how to build resilience, but there is at least agreement in the need to take action.

The information gathered and assessed here helps to inform future planning, identifying what conversations and topics we need to be discussing at the next conference. The Stone Living Lab intends to continue building on these opportunities, with the second annual conference occurring in April 2023. While this initial meeting was a space in which we could listen and learn from each other, the next step is to enhance knowledge and understanding through further education and research. In the next meeting the lab and conference participants will focus on:

1. Urban Adaptation
2. Environmental Justice
3. Social Awareness
4. Current Barriers to Policies and Projects

For more information or suggestions about the Stone Living labs research, upcoming conferences, use the button below to get in touch.

1.  Stone Living Lab Conference Website 
2.  Climate Ready Boston 
3.  The Waterfront Alliance 
4.  The Network for Engineering with Nature 
5.  Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Progra m
6.  Urban Water Learning Network 
7.  Nature-Based Solutions Initiative 
8.  Resilent Mystic Collaborative