It should come as a surprise to no one that around the world, people have been looking for ways to integrate their natural surroundings with their digital world. Of course, this is more successful in some instances than others, but one community that is known for trying to blend their stunning surroundings with the digital realm is those lucky folks who live in coastal communities.
Of course, this is not purely about visuals. They are doing this to help protect the delicate ecosystems that exist near the coast, as well as help promote local connection to the sea and the coast for visitors.
So, how are they doing this? Read on to find out!
Eco-friendly Digital Tourism Platforms
As highlighted in the intro, tourism is a core part of most coastal regions. As such, digital tools have been used to help make this industry most sustainable and, by using QR codes, trail markers, and virtual interpretive guides, more people than ever can enjoy the beauty of the coast with ease. This reduces the need to have large, printed guides (most of which are discarded) and also helps them to be fully immersed in the experience.
Also, coastal tourism spots are aware of the need for many tourists to have the luxury of home while they tour the coast, so Wi-Fi hot spots and codes are usually free, to allow more people to have access to their home comforts, like watching YouTube or to play pokies online.
Smart Monitoring Systems
An impactful way that these communities are aiming to blend the digital realm with the natural one is by also setting up sensors to help with environmental monitoring. This looks like an underwater sensor, tidal gauges, and even satellite-linked buoys that will track water quality and erosion rates. Then, of course, there are sensors set up, such as wildlife and infrared cameras, to capture wildlife as they migrate, depending on the coast in question. This allows the residents, researchers, and local charities to make decisions around tourism, which areas of the beach may need to be temporarily closed, and also, how to manage potential storm surges and pollution in real time.
Hybrid Working
If you live near the coast and are a remote or hybrid worker, during those glorious summer months, the last thing you want is to be sitting indoors! Many coastal towns see an influx of people to their coffee shops and cafes in the summer, to do their work on a laptop, while taking a break to take in the views. So, many coastal towns are creating eco-conscious working hubs, which are powered by renewable energy, to help residents enjoy the tech they need and the coastal view that they want at the same time.
Tools for Climate Resilience
Most people who live by the coast know that these regions face interesting climate pressures, which include rising sea levels and, as global warming takes hold, intense storms. Thus, many coastal regions now integrate digital twins, GIS mapping tools, and flood simulations to help them plan. This helps residents to better predict what a climate event may look like, as well as helping with the placement of dunes, natural barriers, and mangroves.
