November 16:  From Coastal Science to Climate Resilience: Integrating Nature, Engineering and Innovation to Protect Our Shorelines and Waterways. Sustainable Technology Solutions Global
All begin at 9 AM HST (2 PM EST) via Zoom
Every Monday in October and November, December  14 and 21

Please login here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82139391920

And if you share this link to your social media or elists please remind everyone to double check 9AM HST to their local time zones as not everyone went to Daylight Savings on November 1

Dr. Prince Prakash Jeba Kumar J. is an accomplished marine scientist and coastal ecological engineering specialist with nearly three decades of experience in marine biodiversity conservation, coastal erosion management, estuarine restoration and nature-based solutions.

Formerly a Scientist at India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), he has contributed to major research initiatives involving coastal inlet restoration, sediment dynamics, artificial reefs, mangrove-based shoreline protection and marine environmental impact assessments.

His research includes innovative approaches to stabilising eroding shorelines, restoring river–sea connectivity and integrating ecological engineering with conventional coastal protection infrastructure. He has contributed to more than 75 coastal environmental consultancy assignments and has received several recognitions for his contributions to marine ecological research.

At the webinar, Dr. Prince will share scientific perspectives on nature-based coastal defences, shoreline stabilisation, estuarine restoration and innovative ecological approaches to mitigating storm surge and coastal erosion.

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P. Ranjan Mishra is an environmental and sustainability leader with over 24 years of international experience in environmental engineering, climate resilience, ecosystem management and sustainable infrastructure across the Middle East and other international markets.

As Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS), he leads initiatives integrating nature-based solutions, environmental impact assessment, resource management and climate adaptation into practical, commercially viable projects.

His professional background includes senior environmental and sustainability leadership roles with NEOM and Saipem, supporting major infrastructure, coastal and offshore developments. His work encompasses mangrove conservation, environmental risk assessment, ecosystem restoration and sustainable development strategies.

An active researcher and speaker, he has published on the role of mangroves in the UAE’s sustainability transition and presented research on nature-based solutions for climate neutrality.

At the webinar, Ranjan will focus on translating coastal and streamside restoration science into implementable climate-resilience solutions, exploring integrated green–grey infrastructure, stormwater management, ecosystem protection and the practical challenges of scaling nature-based interventions.

At Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS), we believe the future of coastal resilience lies in moving beyond the traditional “grey vs. green” debate toward solutions designed around how coastlines actually function.

Concrete seawalls, revetments, and other engineered structures remain essential where critical infrastructure and highly developed shorelines require robust protection. But nature also offers powerful engineering functions.

1.⁠ ⁠Mangroves can attenuate wave energy, trap sediments, and create complex coastal habitats.
2.⁠ ⁠Oyster reefs can add physical roughness while supporting marine ecosystems.
3.⁠ ⁠Salt marshes can slow water, stabilize sediments, and provide ecological buffers.

The opportunity is to bring these strengths together.

Imagine hybrid coastal infrastructure where conventional protection works alongside mangroves, living shorelines, ecological armor units, and habitat-enhancing structures, creating systems designed not only to resist coastal forces, but also to work with natural processes.

The right solution, however, is always site-specific.

Tidal range. Wave exposure. Sediment dynamics. Available space. Salinity. Ecology. Infrastructure vulnerability. Community needs. Long-term maintenance. All must inform the design.

At STS, our approach to Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) is therefore not about replacing engineering with nature. It is about integrating engineering, ecology and climate resilience into one practical design philosophy.

Because the coastline of tomorrow should not simply be defended.
It should be resilient, adaptive, biodiverse, and able to evolve with a changing climate.

When the next wave arrives, what will we build with: concrete, nature, or intelligently designed combinations of both?