View of Cádiz, Spain, the Atlantic on the left and colorful buildings along the coastal promenade on the right. Image copyright: Anna Antonova

Convivial Waterfronts (2026-2031)

Reimagining urban coastal conservation for just sustainability transformations

Addressing both the vulnerability and the creative potential of urban coastal areas, "Convivial Waterfronts" is a five-year, €1.9 million transdisciplinary project funded by the Volkswagen Foundation through a Change! Fellowship grant. Led by PI Dr. Antonova at TUM, "Convivial Waterfonts" will develop innovative conservation practices (ecological, cultural, artistic, culinary) to reimagine urban coastlines as laboratories for coexistence between humans and nonhuman others. The project rests on a close and iterative exchange between the research team led by Dr. Antonova at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology and environmental NGOs at the frontlines of urban and community conservation in three coastal cities across Southern and Eastern Europe: BBF in Burgas, Bulgaria; Salarte in Cádiz, Spain; and PPNEA in Vlora, Albania.

Low aerial view of Burgas, with buildings in the front and the Bay of Burgas in the back. Image copyright: Anna Antonova

Burgas, Bulgaria

Co-PI: The Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation (BBF)

Cádiz, Spain

Co-PI: Fondo para la Custodia y Recuperacíon de la Marisma Salinera (Salarte)

Vlora, Albania

Co-PI: Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA)

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