About Us
A Platform for Resilient Coastal Futures in Asia
A regional platform led by Practical Action that brings people and organisations together to build resilient coastal communities across Asia.
What We Do
Building Resilient Coastal Communities
We connect climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, resilient livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and environmental stewardship into a shared platform for action across coastal Asia.
We work by bringing together communities, researchers, innovators, governments, businesses, financial actors, and development partners to co-create practical, locally grounded solutions for resilient coastal futures.
More than a project or partnership, CoastalCommons Asia is a growing commons – built on shared stewardship, collaboration, and the belief that lasting resilience is created together.
The Problem
Why Coastal Commons Exists
Asia's coastlines are home to millions whose lives and incomes can be wiped out overnight by cyclones, floods, tidal surge, erosion, and salinity.
Most climate responses are fragmented:
- Livelihoods are treated separately from ecosystems
- Disaster response is disconnected from finance
- Data exists but does not translate into action
- Communities are consulted but rarely empowered
CoastalCommons.asia’s objective is to close these gaps.
Our Ambition
Building Systems, Not Projects
Instead of doing one thing, our focus is in building systems.
- Instead of:Projects that end We build:Platforms that endure
- Instead of:Communities as beneficiaries We build:People-led commons governance
- Instead of:Data for reports We build:Practical decisions for communities
- Instead of:Participation as checkbox We build:Communities as co-owners
- Instead of:Conservation or livelihoods We build:Nature and livelihoods and risk
Our Community
Who We Serve
We work with and for everyone who has a stake in the future of Asia’s coasts.
Coastal communities, fishers, women and youth groups
Local governments and disaster management authorities
Civil society and ecosystem partners
Investors, and climate funds
Policymakers seeking people-centered coastal resilience
Get involved
Join a Growing Commons for Coastal Resilience
Whether you are a community organisation, researcher, government body, business or development partner — there is a place for you in CoastalCommons Asia.
