Established in 2023 following the inclusion of Hurst Castle (UK) on the World Monuments Watch, World Monuments Fund’s signature cultural heritage advocacy programme, Coastal Connections is a joint initiative between WMF and English Heritage to form a global network of coastal heritage sites. It aims to bring together those who care for coastal heritage—local site managers, communities and advocacy organisations—to share solutions to common problems. From broadening perspectives to spotlighting new technologies, the network aims to enhance our understanding—and ultimately our collective wisdom —of how we conserve coastal heritage.

Today, Coastal Connections includes over 50 sites worldwide. Through online workshops and digital resources, we allow conservation professionals and others to gain a better understanding of the breadth of options available. As part of a global community, network members no longer have to face these complex challenges alone.

This Pavilion spotlights seven network member sites, reflecting local voices and perspectives on why these places matter, what common challenges they face, and what their future holds:

• Hurst Castle, UK

• Ocracoke Light Station, USA

• Fort Berkeley, Antigua and Barbuda

• Christiansborg Castle, Ghana

• Old Customs House, Tanzania

• Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile

• Port Lockroy, Antarctica

Global in scope, the project’s remarkable journey will continue to explore challenges and new solutions. Above all, Coastal Connections is a celebration of what we value about our heritage by the sea and how we safeguard its future.