About the Conference
The TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions at Saint Mary’s University is organizing the 2026 Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience Conference. This five-day workshop (including 2 field trip days) provides a space for reflection, collaboration, and growth. It focuses on the principles and techniques for nature-based adaptation. Our goal is to increase local knowledge exchange on nature-based adaptation and to empower more groups to undertake such activities. Through open dialogue, we aim to advance the implementation of nature-based and restoration projects across Canada and North America. The multi-day conference will welcome 120 researchers, policymakers, scientists, engineers, designers, students, community groups, and other experts from across the region.
Together, we are working towards the application, implementation, and delivery of nature-based adaptations to climate change, and sharing the latest research in coastal and estuarine science!
The Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience conference will be held from June 22-24, 2026 at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bookending the event are 2 optional field trips (June 21, June 25), to view nature-based coastal adaptation strategies in action in Nova Scotia.
Our call for abstracts is now open!
We invite researchers, practitioners, knowledge-keepers, students, community partners, and decision-makers to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations that advance the theme of Reimagining Nature-Based Solutions in coastal systems. All sessions will be at the Saint Mary’s University from June 22-24, 2026.
By submitting your work to our conference, you gain the opportunity to disseminate your work to over 120 researchers, policymakers, scientists, engineers, designers, students, community groups, and other experts from around the world. Submissions should reflect innovative thinking, applied learning, or transformative approaches that push the field of NbS forward. We look forward to having you with us in Halifax!
Presentations may fall under (but are not limited to) the following topic areas:
-
New or hybrid engineering–ecology approaches
Innovations that increase ecological, social, or economic resilience
Visionary ideas for future coastal landscapes
-
Monitoring technologies and community-science approaches
Reframing success using Indigenous and Two-Eyed Seeing frameworks
-
Indigenous-led NbS, sovereignty-focused models, and generational stewardship
Multi-sector collaborations
Including youth, Elders, and frontline communities in decision-making
Governance models that redistribute power and knowledge
-
Examples where NbS required a shift in thinking, governance, or design
Projects that learned from failure, uncertainty, or unexpected outcomes
Coastal restoration stories that changed community relationships with place
Case studies that highlight creative problem-solving
-
Scenario building and futures thinking
Climate adaptation pathways that center nature, culture, and community
The role of AI, digital tools, and emerging technologies
Integrating art, storytelling, or cultural practice into restoration
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts must:
Clearly articulate how the work reimagines some aspect of NbS; Summarize the problem, approach, key findings, and insights
Not exceed 250 words (excluding title & authors); title should be max 140 characters
Spell out abbreviations at first use
Disclose any conflicts of interest
Deadline:
February 2, 2026
11:59 PM Atlantic Time
Notification of Acceptance: April 2026
Program Finalized: May 2026
Presentation Formats
-
13 minutes for presenting
2 minutes for questions
PowerPoint (.pptx) file format compatible with MS Windows 10.
All oral presenters will be asked to participate in a 15-minute moderated question/discussion panel at the end of their session.
-
Poster Presentation
Maximum poster size is 44” by 44”W (112 cm x 112 cm) on standard paper to be pinned to a poster board
Use easily read type. Suggested minimum font sizes:
Title: 36 point type
List of authors: 25 point type
Body copy should be double-spaced text: 15 point type
Ensure that you meet accessibility best practices
Print a high-resolution copy of your poster to present onsite
Poster set-up Monday June 22, 8:00-10:00 am. Each poster will be assigned a number corresponding to a pin-up space on poster boards in the poster display are. Poster presenters are asked to be present at their posters in the poster display area to explain and discuss their posters with conference delegates during the poster session and public expo from 5:30 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday June, 23.
How Abstracts are Judged and Assigned
Abstracts submitted by February 2, 2026 will be reviewed in February. Notification of acceptance and schedule information will be sent out by e-mail in April 2026. Abstracts will be judged according to certain criteria:
Impact and relevance
Scope, experience and research team
Significance of findings and results
Comprehensiveness and written quality of abstract
When ready to submit, click the button below to submit.
On completion of your submission, you will receive a confirmation by email. Acceptance and refection notices will be sent by e-mail in April 2026. You must Register for the conference by May 2026 or your abstract will be removed from the program. If you have any questions about abstract submissions, please contact: ive.velikova@smu.ca.
Call for Sponsors is Now Open!
We are currently seeking sponsors to support the conference. By supporting our event, your organization will:
Support the development of innovative, nature-based restoration approaches to coastal climate adaptation.
Gain recognition on promotional materials, including the conference website, program guide, and onsite signage.
Reduce financial barriers for groups such as students, NGOs, local organizations, and Indigenous community members.
Connect with a diverse group of professionals committed to building coastal resilience.
Opportunities to sponsor the conference are outlined below. Contact us if you’d like to tailor packages to meet the needs of your organization.
To inquire about sponsorship, please contact us at ive.velikova@smu.ca.
Preliminary Schedule
June 21
Field Visit to local NbS site | 12 pm to 4 pm
On-site learning about managed realignment. This will include viewing restoration projects at different stages and discussing challenges and opportunities for implementing nature-based solutions.
June 22
Sessions | 9 am to 4 pm
Welcome session, contributed presentations focusing on standards and guidelines for ‘building with nature’ and implementing NbA. This will include engineering standards, guidance, modelling studies and costing frameworks.
June 23
Sessions | 9 am to 4 pm
Presentations focused on real world applications of NbA in North America. This will include sessions such as: how to develop monitoring protocols, how field measurements are used to determine the effectiveness of NbA, and NbA success stories. The evening will include a Public Expo and Poster Session from 5-7 pm.
June 24
Sessions | 9 am to 4 pm
Sessions on the future of coastal habitat restoration, regional implementation of NbA and dykelands (including socio-cultural aspects of transforming landscapes).
June 25
Field Visit to local NbS site | 9 am to 12 pm
On-site learning about managed realignment. This will include viewing restoration projects at different stages and discussing challenges and opportunities for implementing NbA.
Welcome to Halifax, Nova Scotia
The 2026 Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience Conference will take place at Saint Mary’s University in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia, a vibrant coastal city known for its maritime history, thriving research community, and spectacular oceanfront views.
Halifax offers the perfect setting for a conference focused on coastal resilience. Within minutes of campus, you’ll find ocean views, historic districts, and kilometres of shoreline shaped by the very climate challenges we will be discussing. The city is rich with culture, food, and music.
Travel & Accommodation
We are pleased to offer reduced conference accommodation rates for attendees (details coming soon). Saint Mary’s University is centrally located and easily accessible by transit, with hotels, restaurants, waterfront trails, and museums close by.
While You're Here
We encourage you to take time to explore Halifax and the surrounding region:
Wander the iconic Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Hike coastal headlands at Point Pleasant Park
Enjoy local seafood and independent cafés
Extend your trip to see Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove, or the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides.
Halifax is a fantastic home for our sessions, field trips, or networking opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you in June 2026!