Human Pressures on Mobile Coastal Sand Dunes in Manalkadu, Sri Lanka

A reflection on human pressues on Sri Lankan sand dunes by Ruwan Sampath.

Once Upon a Dune: Coastal (Hi)Stories

In April 2024, during a workshop at the School of Arts and Humanities of the University of Lisbon, specialists from different countries and backgrounds talked about dunes. In addition to the scientific topics presented, we discussed how to make our work more compelling and accessible to a wider audience. We wanted to share our plural views on coastal issues and the importance of taking this diversity into account when managing for the future, because beaches are made up of sea and sand, but also of people’s expectations and choices. This exhibition is our way to do this. Each of us has chosen an image/object that represents our personal connection with the coast. We do not want to present results or conclusions; as in a museum or art gallery, it is up to you to find meaning and to write your own script based on your impressions.

About the Exhibition

About the author

Sampath, Ruwan

D. M. R. Sampath was a postdoctoral researcher in the ERC-funded project DUNES: Sea, Sand, and People at the Centre for History of the University of Lisbon from 2019 to 2024. His main research interest is modelling the response of coastal systems to natural hazards, including sea-level rise due to climate change and extreme events such as storm surges. He focuses on risk and vulnerability assessment and the development of tools (integrated decision support systems and early warning systems) and frameworks as climate change adaptation measures for sustainable coastal zone management. Sampath also participated in the Inter-Municipal Adaptation Plan for Climate Change of Algarve to predict the coastal evolution of that region in the twenty-first century.

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A (Happy) Story of Coastal Erosion and Dunes

A reflection on planning with nature by Celso Aleixo Pinto.

Once Upon a Dune: Coastal (Hi)Stories

In April 2024, during a workshop at the School of Arts and Humanities of the University of Lisbon, specialists from different countries and backgrounds talked about dunes. In addition to the scientific topics presented, we discussed how to make our work more compelling and accessible to a wider audience. We wanted to share our plural views on coastal issues and the importance of taking this diversity into account when managing for the future, because beaches are made up of sea and sand, but also of people’s expectations and choices. This exhibition is our way to do this. Each of us has chosen an image/object that represents our personal connection with the coast. We do not want to present results or conclusions; as in a museum or art gallery, it is up to you to find meaning and to write your own script based on your impressions.

About the Exhibition

About the author

Pinto, Celso Aleixo

Portuguese Environment Agency, Portugal

Celso Aleixo Pinto is a coastal geologist with 24 years working experience in coastal erosion risk management, coastal monitoring, and coastal protection. In his current role as the head of the Coastal Monitoring and Risk Division in the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), he is responsible for the development and implementation of the Portuguese Coastal Monitoring Program (COSMO) and the supervision of several projects related with coastal protection, cost-benefit analysis, coastal risks, and coastal processes/sediment dynamics. Pinto also carries out applied scientific research in cooperation with universities/I&D, currently focused on assessing the effectiveness, performance, and longevity of beach/shoreface nourishment projects under different geomorphological and morphodynamic conditions.

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A Letter to My Father

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Perspectives Issue 2014/6

Chioma’s candid letter to her father reflects on the challenges of climate change, celebrating her village’s resilience in facing adversity.

A Letter to the Citizens of Hangzhou

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Perspectives Issue 2014/6

Environmental historian Fei Sheng, a native of Hangzhou, addresses this city’s citizens to consider balancing economic growth with environmental protection while expressing hope for Hangzhou’s future.

Dear Little Rock: The Ironic Plot in Civil Rights and Environmental Historiography

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Perspectives Issue 2014/6

Nicole Seymour reflects on leaving Little Rock, exploring the city’s civil-rights legacy alongside present challenges, and draws lessons on struggle and hope.