This workshop introduces Coastal Challenge, an online serious game developed by the CMCC Foundation under the EU-funded REST-COAST project to engage participants in exploring coastal adaptation pathways. Designed as both an educational and reflective tool, the game simulates the complex decisions faced in managing climate risks along in coastal areas.

In this serious game, players step into the role of a coastal decision-maker and are tasked with guiding one of three distinct coastal areas (a commercial port city, a small tourist and fishing town, or a coastal wetland farming area) through 30 years of climate challenges. They must balance ecological, economic, and social priorities while addressing sea-level rise, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and shifting livelihoods. Grounded in real-world science and scenarios, the game raises awareness of coastal climate risks and explores a range of operational and governance solutions, highlighting the trade-offs each entails.

During the session, participants will first learn about the purpose and value of serious games as tools for climate adaptation decision-making. They will then play Coastal Challenge in pairs, encouraging dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking, guided by facilitators who will help them navigate strategies and reflect on the outcomes of their choices. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, student, or practitioner, this experience offers an opportunity to engage in an innovative way with the complexities of coastal adaptation.

The session will conclude with a structured debrief, allowing participants to reflect on decisions made, lessons learned, and their implications for real-world adaptation planning.

Moderated by : 

• Paola TANGUY, Coastal and Water Resilience Policy Specialist at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Chance (CMCC Foundation). 
• Mathilde Luna JOLY, PhD candidate at the University of Bologna and Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change.

Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own laptops, which will be required to fully engage with the game during this session.

Registration is mandatory and subject to availability.