RECENTERING GEOSCIENCE: A COMMUNITY-FOCUSED APPROACH TO COASTAL FLOODING RESEARCH

Low-lying coastal areas are subject to regular flooding with rising sea levels exacerbating this problem. As result there is a significant increased risk of saltwater intrusion and habitat loss. Geoscientists often approach these issues from a technical perspective, emphasizing the urgency of scientific exploration and solutions. However, a research-centered approach often risks sidelining the priorities and insights of affected communities. To address this gap, our study emphasizes the importance of integrating community-focused practices into coastal flooding research, ensuring that scientific endeavors align with the needs, benefits, and shared goals of the populations most impacted.

This work explores the intersection between geoscientific research and community-centered approaches, proposing a framework for co-defining goals, benefits, and solutions in coastal communities in North Carolina. Drawing on best practices from existing literature, we address key questions: What are the community's immediate and long-term needs? How do the benefits of research translate into tangible outcomes for residents? What mechanisms facilitate agreements and shared decision-making between scientists and stakeholders? These considerations guide a more inclusive and collaborative approach to geoscience research, rooted in principles of "anti-helicopter science" and decolonizing geoscience to dismantle top-down paradigms and foster equitable partnerships.

To ground these principles, we highlight ongoing collaborative efforts in the inner banks of North Carolina—a region highly vulnerable to coastal flooding. This partnership illustrates how researchers and communities can co-develop strategies to mitigate risks, fostering mutual trust, shared knowledge, and sustainable solutions.

By reframing our research to prioritize community engagement and co-creation of knowledge, we aim to bridge the gap between scientific investigation and community resilience. This approach underscores the importance of recognizing communities not as subjects of study but as equal partners in addressing the challenges of coastal flooding while advancing equity and resilience in the geosciences.