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College of Natural Resources
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

Community Capacity and Resilience

Lighthouse Next to a House - Areas of Research -Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State

Planning for the Future

Human population growth. Adverse weather events. Shifting development patterns. The world is expected to face increasingly complex challenges throughout this century and beyond that can negatively impact a community’s built and natural environments, which could also affect human health, livelihoods, heritage and recreational opportunities. Maintaining these natural and cultural resources will require communities to anticipate and plan for these challenges rather than react to them.

Our research works to build adaptive capacity within communities that enhances their ability to plan for and respond to these challenges. Therefore, we strive to identify key factors that enhance or inhibit community resilience by studying global change through informed and inclusive decision-making, the creation of strong partnership networks, and the bridging of transboundary institutions. We conduct this research in diverse geographies, including coastal zones and mountainous regions at regional, national and international scales.

Our research works to build capacity within communities that enhances their ability to plan for and respond to global change. Human population growth, uncertain environmental conditions, and shifting development patterns all challenge community sustainability. Therefore, we strive to identify key factors (e.g., capitals and vulnerabilities) that enhance or inhibit community resilience by engaging with community and resource management leaders, residents and visitors. Our faculty work to build adaptive capacity within institutions, communities, and regions by studying global change (e.g., climate change planning and natural disaster recovery, environmental contamination) through informed and inclusive decision-making, the creation of strong partnership networks, and the bridging of transboundary institutions. We conduct this research in diverse geographies, including coastal zones and mountainous regions at regional, national and international scales.

Our Research in Action

Venice Flood - Landmarks Facing Climate Threats Could Transform, ' Experts Says - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Community Gardens Promote Sustainable Agriculture, Alleviate Food Deserts

As a community garden in Raleigh fights to remove regulatory barriers for commercialization, one NC State expert weighs in on the benefits of urban agriculture.
Colorado - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NC State University

Study Offers Insights for Mapping ‘Coastal Squeeze’ Impacts to Historical, Natural Sites

Published in Global Environmental Change, the study offers a blueprint for mapping important and threatened cultural and historical sites across the coastal South, and beyond.

Meet Our Experts

Interested in community capacity and resilience research? Contact our faculty to learn more and get involved.