yACS:the younger Australian Coastal Society

five-year strategic plan

Dedicated to healthy ecosystems, vibrant communities, and sustainable use of coastal resources.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Over the past 12months there has been an emphasis on the development of youth engagement and the promotion of opportunities for younger members of the Australian Coastal Society (ACS). This was initiated with The Edge Factor Youth Workshop at the Coast to Coast conference in September, 2012. The workshop proved to be a success in engaging with the younger coastal network, and interaction with various leading coastal experts.

Since The Edge Factor Youth Workshop, a group of participants supported by ACS, facilitated a founding workshop to discuss a strategy for youth development for the next five years. During this workshop, a motion was supported to establish of a younger chapter of ACS – the younger Australian Coastal Society (yACS) to act as the primary agent for youth development for ACS. yACS strategically stands for youth action for coastal sustainability, and aims to raise the profile of coastal management throughout Australia’s coastal communities and public spaces with a chief focus on encouraging the younger generation to participate.

As complexities within coastal management on the ground, and within the profession itself continue to increase, outreach and professional development are seen as the two cornerstone themes of ACS. Within these themes yACS has developed a number of programs: a national citizen science program (Coastodians), a national coastal management documentary, a peer-to-peer mentoring program and various networking activities and awareness events.

The purpose of this five-year plan is to show how yACS plans to develop capacity for youth action for coastal sustainability and spark discussion with ACS, the wider coastal network and potential funding partners to support our initiative through financial contributions.

For more information please contact

Naomi EdwardsNational Coordinatoryounger Australian Coastal Society

Email: yacs@australiancoastalsociety.orgWebsite: youngeracs.org

WHAT WE’RE ABOUT

MISSION STATEMENT: To build capacity and enable youth action for coastal sustainability.

OBJECTIVES1. Provide opportunities for younger coastal champions to become engaged in coastal management.2. Develop lasting professional and personal skills and connections.3. Raise national awareness about the importance of coastal management.4. Advocate for increase investment in coastal management at all decision-making levels and be engaged in public-policy debate to ensure Australia’s coastal environment has a sustainable future.

Key programs:• Mentoring • Citizen science • Internships• Events • Advocacy (including coordination of a national campaign via documentary, and youth-centric position or research papers)

Outcome (result)1. A strong, vibrant, engaged national younger coastal network is established.2. Youth memberships for the Australian Coastal Society continue to grow.3. More ACS members are engaged in coastal management awareness-raising activities.

Unique drivers: yACS provides a unique pathway for tomorrow’s coastal manager youth to actively engage in the coastal management profession, as well as a platform to develop skills and knowledge from industry professionals and grow within the coastal network.

How do we classify “younger”/ “youth”?ACS members under the age of 30 years.

Competition: Nil. There is currently no national younger network specifically focused on coastal management and the complex issues the field addresses.

External perceptions: There is value for ACS to be recognised as the leading coastal network for Australia. Further, yACS will promote new initiatives that support the development of new coastal leaders so that they can provide better advocacy for the sustainable use of coastal resources and the protection of Australian coastal culture. Being perceived at the forefront of anything ‘coast related’ will enhance ACS’ ability to influence for sustainable coastal management.

Trends: There is an increasing trend in the establishment of younger forums for professional networks in the sustainability field due to youth’s capacity to be creative and raise awareness.

MOTIVATION: “It has been highlighted that there is a need to provide a core emphasis on the

development of coastal champions in the field of coastal management - to future proof the network

and the coast.”

OUR FIVE-YEAR PLAN 2013 – Secure funding for a national coordinator and core program implementation (outreach and professional development) establish a core group, produce an operational and business plan, create awareness for yACS.

2014 –Implement core program activities and coordinate the production of a documentary about coastal management leading into the Coast to Coast conference in WA and host a yACS workshop.

2015 – Continue core program operations, hold a yACS conference, release the documentary from 2014 and be a leading progressive group in the field of coastal management.

2016 – Active lobbying in the Federal Election and contribution to national coastal policy, host a yACS workshop at the Coast to Coast conference.

2017 – Hold the 2nd yACS conference with widespread engagement to promote coastal sustainability, and ACS and yACS to be a household name.

yACS CORE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

1.0 OUTREACH

To develop capacity and enable youth action for coastal sustainability, outreach into the network and wider coastal community is a core action of yACS. There are two main components of the outreach branch, which include the delivery of a national coastal citizen science program called, Coastodians and the production of a national documentary about coastal management.

1.1 COASTODIANS

Coastodians is a coastal citizen science program that would provide a step-by-step guide to coastal management for a particular area and support the implementation of a national adopt-a-beach and health scorecard program. Core activities may include:• Physical processes monitoring, e.g. beach measurements, monitoring, water quality • Social studies, e.g. surveys, collection of historical information • On-ground activities, e.g. Coast care, Litter Audits

This coastal citizen science program would provide value to support the progressiveness of yACS and further broaden discussions amongst coastal communities. The program would connect individuals across the country through knowledge sharing and exchange, foster understanding of the physical, social, cultural and economic aspects of coastal management, and link expert advice to on-ground real world issues. By up-skilling the coastal networks and joining the dots between theory and action, the program will assist coastal communities in coming to grips with the complexities of coastal management and enable far better community understanding and collaboration with decision-makers.

Task: 1.1.1 – Scope for the Coastodians programDescription Scope for the Coastodians program

Assumption Based on an intensive review of existing citizen science programs, on-ground capacity and an investigation of the implementation of a step-by-step web based program, the scoping report will list priority actions and capacity needs.

Risk Time constraints, release of information and lack of available information.

Timing January - June

Outcome An understanding of the scope for Coastodians and share understanding with ACS Board and potential partners.

Output A fully scoped project plan for Coastodians – provision of options for implementation, assessment of options: including a detailed investigation into the logistics of coordinating on-ground activities through a national program, inventory of existing resources and capacity needs, challenges and long-term program delivery.

Task: 1.1.2 – Partnership development Description Partnership development

Assumption Through existing networks there will be close discussions with local urban and regional shire councils (e.g. Gold Coast City Council, Tweed Shire Council), a coastal NRM body in each State (including the Northern Territory) and coastal boards (e.g. Sydney Coastal Council, Victorian Coastal Council, Association of Bayside Municipalities), as well as Universities (e.g. Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, Adelaide University, University of NSW), Coast care/coastal action groups and identify key partners to provide/ support resources.

Risk Minimal feedback from coastal stakeholders, lack of enthusiasm from potential partners, conflicting relationship between citizen groups and councils/ coastal boards.

Timing April-December

Outcome Identify key triggers of engagement with partners, build relationships with coastal NRM groups, coastal networks, local councils, stakeholder network database, and identify key people to raise awareness amongst potential programs, pilot partners to engage throughout the development.

Output Develop a communication plan and partnership discussions about the design of Coastodians

Task: 1.1.3 – Product development Description Prototype product development

Assumption Based on Task 1.1. – existing resources will need to be sourced to implement Task 1.1.3.

Risk Lack of additional financial input to support the product development for Coastodians.

Timing July-December

Outcome Partnership awareness of Coastodians (e.g. test technical aspects of the design), the development of yACS to be a progressive national network for coastal management and an institution to deliver services.

Output Establish a technical reference group with peer-reviewed experts and a user reference group (for end-users satisfaction), document the design, test design of a prototype product, partnership feedback on a prototype product (workshops), identify gaps and issues, review design, information needs, establish equipment resource kits.

Task: 1.1.4 – MarketingDescription Raise awareness about Coastodians

Assumption Based on Tasks 1.1.1-1.1.3.

Risk Raise expectations to high.

Timing September – December

Outcome To increase partnerships for final product delivery, financial support for a national citizen science program and on-going support for research analysis (overall research objectives).

Output Marketing strategy to release a prototype for Coastodians – includes a launch.

Task: 1.1.5 - Implementation Description Implementation

Assumption Prototype design was a success.

Risk Lack of resource, loss of enthusiasm.

Timing January-December 2014

Output An operational portal with more features and an enhanced design for end-user satisfaction.

1.2 NATIONAL DOCUMENTARY

The concept of a documentary about coastal management across Australia has been in circulation for many years. To understand the complexities of coastal management, and in another sense raise the awareness about state of the coastal zone and raise the profile for its management, a documentary would bring much value. Additionally, the national documentary would produce a legacy about the history of coastal management, the current phase the coastal management network finds itself, and further open a conversation about the future.

yACS is eager to coordinate the production of a documentary as part of the outreach theme. As youthful leaders of the coastal network, yACS will use the documentary to initiate a conversation about the value of our coastline and the risks we must face in the coming years.

Task: 1.2.1 – Scope for a national documentaryDescription Scope for a national documentary

Assumption Based on an intensive review of the coordination of the proposed documentary.

Risk Time constraints (volunteer hours), network sources and resources.

Timing January - June

Outcome To develop an understanding of the scope for a national documentary about coastal management

Output A project plan for the documentary project – provide options for the implementation, assessment of options: including a detailed investigation into the logistics of coordinating on-ground activities, inventory of accessible resources and capacity needs, challenges and timeframe.

Task: 1.2.2 – Partnership development Description Partnership development

Assumption Through existing networks there will be close discussions with local documentary producers, photographers and communication experts and identify key partners to provide/ support resources.

Risk Minimal feedback from stakeholders, lack of enthusiasm from potential partners, time constraints.

Timing April-December

Outcome Identify key triggers of engagement with partners, build relationships with partners, stakeholder network database, and identify key people to raise the profile about the concept.

Output Develop a communication plan and partnership discussions about the production for a national documentary about coastal management.

Task: 1.2.3 – Project timeline Description Detailed description of a project timeline for the production of a documentary

Assumption Based on Tasks 1.2.1-1.2.2 outcomes.

Risk Lack of additional financial input to support further investigation for the documentary.

Timing July-December

Outcome Identify key partners/ players, script concept and logistics involved.

Output A detailed project management timeline with needed resources and key partners listed.

Task: 1.2.4 - Grant submissions and sponsorshipDescription Financial and resource input from key partners

Assumption Based on Tasks 1.2.2.

Risk Raise expectations to high.

Timing September – December

Outcome To increase resources for a successful documentary deliverable, sources financial and non-financial resources to leverage capacity.

Output Source financial and non financial resources to support the documentary concept.

Task: 1.2.5 – MarketingDescription Raise awareness about the documentary

Assumption Based on Tasks 1.2.4.

Risk Raise expectations to high,

Timing January-February 2014

Outcome To increase partnerships for final product delivery, financial support and on-going support, increase aware-ness about coastal management and yACS.

Output Marketing strategy to release a the concept of a national documentary about coastal management – includes launch.

Task: 1.2.6 – ImplementationDescription Implementation

Assumption Tasks 1.2.4-1.2.6 were a success.

Risk Lack of resources, loss enthusiasm.

Timing March-December 2014

Output Documentary completed about the coastal management across Australia.

Task: 2.1.1 – Scope for a mentoring programDescription Scope of the coastal management peer-to-peer mentoring program

Assumption NA

Risk Time constraints.

Timing April-December

Outcome The ACS Board has sufficient information to support the implementation of a mentoring program based on assessment of yACS capacity to facilitate a mentoring program, mentor capacities to be engaged, training requirements, involvement with a third party to develop capacity within yACS to deliver an on-going and successful mentoring program.

Output A scoping report.

Task: 2.1.2 – Partnership developmentDescription Mentoring partnership development

Assumption Positive feedback from Task 2.1.1.

Risk Lack of response from professional mentoring networks.

Timing January-June

Outcome Engagement with board network partners to raise awareness about the program and therefore cement involvement for Tasks 2.1.4-2.1.6.

Output Database of potential mentors and key mentoring networks.

2.0 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

There is a need to provide the opportunity for yACS members to further develop skills and knowledge about the coastal zone. Creating capacity for the advancement of both personal and career development and opening professional development opportunities would further members learning opportunities – e.g. mentoring to think tanks – and informal learning through experiential, practical learning. Professional development within yACS ideally incorporates such learning to help coach future coastal leaders, understand the complexities of the coastal zone and reflect on ones own coastal experience and thoughts about the direction for a sustainable coast.

2.1 Peer-to-peer mentoring program

There is an outstanding need to establish a peer-to-peer mentoring program of the coastal management network (where peer-to-peer includes, ACS-ACS members, ACS-yACS members, yACS-yACS members. This aspect of coastal management has been alarmingly neglected, due to the down-skilling of the coastal management and science network over years of government neglect about the coastal zone. Therefore, yACS is perfectly placed to fill this breach and provide for the up-skilling of coastal champions through a peer-to-peer mentoring program.

RESPONSES BY yACS MEMBERS ABOUT WHY PEER-TO-PEER MENTORING IS IMPORTANT:

To build confidence, connections and understanding.

Knowledge dissemination from experts and chances to develop ideas with direction.

Interconnections/ all on the same page/ promote ideas.

Definitely, we all have diverse knowledge from our various education, work and life experiences which we can share our ideas.

Because if we want to evolve as coastal managers we need to hear lessons learnt from previous generations and would benefit from guidance.

Especially for younger members - to guide them on a path/ direction for a future in coastal management.

Broaden knowledge of coastal management and career options.

Task: 2.1.3 – Design phaseDescription Engage with a third-party professional mentoring service to provide advice for program design,

training and support for on-going activities

Assumption A third party mentoring professional expert has the capacity to provide advice to design a highly-regarded, successful mentoring program for the coastal network.

Risk Insufficient advice from a third-party professional mentoring service.

Timing March-September

Outcome A robust mentoring program to develop the capacity to provide a service for the up-skilling of coastal leaders.

Output A robust framework of the mentoring program – document program activities and descriptions, e.g. mentor role description, mentor and mentee capacity needs, logistics for a national entity to coordinate the program, etc.

Task: 2.1.4 – Recruitment Description Recruitment of mentors and mentees

Assumption There will be positive feedback to the expressions of interest.

Risk Lack of enthusiasm to be involved/ overwhelming response.

Timing October-December

Outcome A balanced ratio of suitable mentor-mentee relationships, a wider understanding of the development needs for the coastal network.

Output Database of mentors and mentees.

Task: 2.1.5 – TrainingDescription Training for mentors and mentees

Assumption Based on Task 2.1.3.

Risk Insufficient training to the mentors, lack of feedback throughout the training process.

Timing January-February 2014

Outcome Mentors have a comprehensive understanding on mentoring, mentees are prepared.

Output Online training and face-to-face workshops in capital cities.

Task: 2.1.6 – ImplementationDescription Implementation

Assumption Based on the success of Task 2.1-2.1.5.

Risk Loss of enthusiasm, active involvement, lack of feedback.

Timing February – October 2014

Outcome A well-connected network of young professionals that have access to a broad-range of skills (for the up-skilling of new coastal leaders).

Output Functioning mentoring program.

Support from Prof Bruce Thom

2.2 NETWORK EVENTS

A core focus of yACS is to develop the capacity for younger coastal managers by enhancing links and access to the knowledge and experience of those leading the field. It is envisaged that this will provide the opportunity to further professional development to increase the skills of the next generation of coastal leaders. By providing a series of professionally run events, activities and workshops, as well as coordinating discussion groups and collating information, yACS will gain an understanding of what is needed for coastal managers, including new networks, events and facilitating robust discussions about the future of the profession and the future of the coast.

FEEDBACK RESPONSE FROM PARTICIPANTS AT THE ACS EDGE FACTOR WORKSHOP:An overwhelming number of participants of the workshop are interested in the development of on-going workshops of this kind, a mentoring framework and additional professional development opportunities. Various other activities participants would like to participate in include lectures, film nights, meet-up discussions and fundraising events. There was a 100% recommendation for other individuals to attend future events and support for a mentoring platform. Additionally, 68% would like to be involved in the development of a new network that would coordinate events such as future workshops as well. Clearly this identifies scope to support the establishment of yACS

Task: 2.2.1 - Conference workshops Description The facilitation of youth workshops and coastal conferences

Assumption NARisk Time constraints, lack of resources.

Timing August-November 2014

Outcome Increase awareness about yACS, increase members professional development, increase network engagement.

Output A series of conference workshop.

Task: 2.2.2 – Activities Description Coordination of activities, e.g. film nights, lectures, networking events, beach care activities,

tours

Assumption NA

Risk Lack of response.

Timing March - October

Outcome Maintain momentum, increase active membership, increase awareness about coastal management.

Output Activities and events.

Task: 2.2.3 – Committee involvementsDescription Involvements in various committee that are associated to core yACS objectives

Assumption NA

Risk Time constraints, conflict of interests.

Timing January-December

Outcome Increase networks, partnership development and capacity for yACS.

Output yACS branding on other projects, programs, organisations, etc.

Task: 2.2.4 – Think TankDescription Think Tank discussion groups facilitated by yACS members to spark comprehensive and

philosophical thinking about coastal management and the future of the coastal zone

Assumption yACS members will be enthusiastic to attend Think Tank discussion events.

Risk Time constraints, conflict of interests.

Timing March-December

Outcome Increase networks, partnership development and capacity for yACS, and as yACS members understanding about coastal management.

Output Discussion points that will formalise bite-size papers and communication dialogue leading to published position papers and contributions to policy debates.

3.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

There is a need to provide the opportunity for yACS members to further develop skills and knowledge To plan, organise, motivate and coordinate resources for yACS to develop capacity for youth action for coastal sustainability. This will entail the management by a National Coordinator to meet the unique goals and objectives of yACS and bring beneficial change and added value to the network. Understanding the primary constraints of non-for-profits especially financial and non-financial resources, and secondly, the challenge to optimise, innovate and integrate needs to achieve the ambitious objective of yACS, it is important to have a paid champion to drive capacity.

Task: 3.1 – Establishment of yACSDescription Establishment phase

Assumption Based on success funding and on-going support from ACS Board and yACS members.

Risk Lack of financial commitment, loss of enthusiasm.

Timing January-March

Outcome The establishment and functioning of yACS with an increase in members and active involvement.

Output yACS Operational Plan, a communication package, launch.

Task: 3.1.2 – Communications Description Communication

Assumption Based on success funding and on-going support from ACS Board and yACS members.

Risk Lack of financial commitment, loss of enthusiasm.

Timing January-March

Outcome The establishment and functioning of yACS website and social media outlets.

Output yACS Communication Plan, a communication package, launch.

Task: 3.1.1 – RecruitmentDescription Recruitment of volunteers and partners

Assumption Volunteers and partners willingness to be involved.

Risk Lack of commitment, loss of enthusiasm.

Timing January-March

Outcome Increase capacity to achieve program objectives.

Output Volunteers hours contributing to the causes of yACS.

Task: 3.1.3 – Launch Description Launch

Assumption Based on Task 3.1

Risk Lack of financial commitment, loss of enthusiasm.

Timing March-May

Outcome Raise awareness about yACS, increase membership and drive to be active members.

Output Launch

Task: 3.2 – Volunteer coordinationDescription Volunteer coordination

Assumption There will be an increasing interest for yACS members to be active in awareness and program activities.

Risk Lack and loss of enthusiasm.

Timing March-ongoing

Outcome An active yACS with increasing membership.

Output Awareness activities and program support.

RESOURCE ANALYSIS• Link with established networks to increase capacity• Attend free professional network events• Attend youth forums where possible• Provide support to each other through open friendship development• Continue research into best practices for volunteers, collective forums and network development

Task: 3.3 – Professional development Description Professional development for yACS financial supported staff

Assumption NA

Risk Lack of capacity to keep up with new coastal research, programs and activities (including policy changes).

Timing January-ongoing

Outcome A well equipped yACS coordinator to be able to comment on coastal management news and events and provide the capacity to progress yACS as a leading younger network in the coastal space.

Output Further skills to invest into the progressiveness of yACS.

Task: 3.5 – Monitoring and Evaluation Description Monitoring and Evaluation

Assumption NA

Risk Time constraints

Timing January-ongoing

Outcome Monitor the management and development of yACS deliverables and evaluate output and progress activity.

Output Monthly reports to ACS Ex Board that outlines KPIs progress for each task, qualitative dialogue record, membership rates, partnership development, a yACS steering committee, 6-monthly reports to funding organisation (based on the conditions).

Task: 3.4 – Networking Description Networking

Assumption Coordinator’s capacity to be able to network with key partners and stakeholders.

Risk Lack of capacity to communicate effectively.

Timing January-ongoing

Outcome Increase in knowledge, partnerships and identify key stakeholders to be involved in yACS core programs and activities.

Output Additional networks to increase yACS awareness and capacity to be used as a networking coastal commission.

BUGDET: please contact the National Coordinator of yACS for further information.

Non-financial Financial

Current • Volunteer coordinator and development commitment - Naomi Edwards • Griffith University undergraduates to support actions – Kayleigh Mast and Michael House• Griffith University Summer Community Internship – Jordan Green• Support from ACS Board – Greg Stuart and Peta Williams• Host organisation – Griffith Centre for Coastal Management

• Nil

Future • On-going volunteer support for a National Coordinator - Naomi Edwards • On-going volunteer support from State Coordinators – TBA• Ongoing support from younger ACS members• Ongoing support from Griffith University undergraduates to support actions – Kayleigh Mast and Michael House• Ongoing Griffith University Community Internship rounds• Ongoing support from ACS Board – Greg Stuart and Peta Williams• Ongoing support from host organisation – Griffith Centre for Coastal Management

• Support funding from ACS: branding, marketing and website development (see Marketing Plan)• Initial fundraising income support: suggestion of $500 to each State for yACS to coordinate an event• 100% of membership from younger paid members to be invested into yACS• 5% of all paid membership invested into yACS

CAPACITY RESOURCES: current and future capacity

SUPPORT RESOURCES• Link with established networks to increase capacity• Attend free professional network events• Attend youth forums where possible• Provide support to each other through open friendship development• Continue research into best practices for volunteers, collective forums and network development

STRENGTHS+ National Brand for Coastal Management+ Well recognised within the industry+ Leading experts supporting the initiative+ Strong connection to other industries+ Access to many highly talented people within the network+ Proven success (ACS Edge Factor workshop)

WEAKNESSES+ Lack of financial support+ Small teams trying to do too many different things

OPPORTUNITIES+ Establish cross industry youth networks+ Increased focus on coastal issues – climate change adaptation and policy changes

THREATS+ Limited financial support+ Conflicting support in public-policy+ Dilution of ACS brand+ Potential to be perceived as a SE QLD initiative

SWOT SUMMARY

ADDITIONAL PLANS • Present a 12-month Operational Plan (March 2013)• 2013 activity works (in this plan)• Two-year budget and activity forecast• Five-year vision (in this plan)

MARKETING PLAN: Acknowledging the core goal to raise awareness about coastal management across Australia it is important to develop a vision on how to market engagement across the coastal network and in communities.

Question ActionWhat image are you projecting, e.g. brand? Youth Action for Coastal Sustainability

Through what materials? Print and online

What PR/ media relations/ advertising is going to be needed to feed your appeals?

Develop key contacts at State and National levels and feed into already established networks to increase awareness, e.g. surfing magazines, travel blogs, newspaper and online social media.

What target groups are you distinguishing? University undergraduates, post-graduates and graduates in the coastal management field.

Are you going to employ direct mail or online marketing or letterboxing to get the word out to the public?

Online marketing

What will lead to meet these needs? • Establish and maintain a Master database to record all networks• List key contacts and meet with them • Develop a cross-border coordinated social media network

Performance indicators that will enable you to monitor the processes

Program:• Leverage donation support through the establishment of university/ industry partnerships• Establish partnerships with other key younger networks• Develop a guide for younger coastal leadership Marketing:• A minimum of two all-media coverage in each State • A minimum of two stories in print media for the yACS network.• A minimum of one meeting with a key media outlet in each State and nationally to build relations with the media

Participants and experts involved in ACS The Edge Factor workshop, September 2012

Initial outcome Recruit volunteers to build capacity to coordinate national awareness activities, network meet-ups and a support platform for younger ACS members

Steps and due dates Facilitate a meeting with younger ACS members

Completed

Send out EOI to recruit yACS members Completed

Develop a five-year vision for yACS Completed

Establish working group Completed

Discussions about financial contributions

February 2013

National Operational Plan with a net-work launch, funding allocated to support launch, core programs and initial actions

February - May 2013

ESTABLISHMENT PHASE

MONITORING AND EVALUATION: Both qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation will be implemented and reported in a 6-monthly report to ACS Board (or when State Chapter deliver their reports, e.g. integrated in State reports). This will review progress and support scope for future progression.Qualitative: record feedback during monthly yACS meetings and receive support from the National ACS Board through attendance at monthly Board meetings. Further, professional development growth of yACS members.Quantitative: Awareness spread – record number of activities, attendance and membership growth.

CONCLUSIVE FINDINGS FROM STRATEGY1. One line description – youth action for coastal sustainability.2. Financial model show – expected fundraising and needed funds kick start yACS.3. Risk mitigating milestones – Action road for success, KPIs to reduce risk and failure under evaluation plan.4. Why we are uniquely qualified to succeed – yACS has support from leading coastal experts to achieve youth action for coastal sustainability.

Business overview A vision of where you want to be in a few years’ time could help secure finances - National youth action for coastal sustainability

Products or services A national network for youth to be engaged in coastal management and develop skills to be productive leaders

Market analysis University undergraduates, post-graduates and graduates in the coastal management field

Competitive advantage There is no national coastal management specifically tailored to coastal management awareness and up-skilling professional development

Marketing strategy As highlightedBusiness structure and management As highlightedFinances As highlightedAction Plan Develop a national operation plan

For more information visit youngeracs.org