Coastal resilience can have various definitions, depending on the perspectives of differing organizations and social sectors. Resilience usually refers to the capacity of a natural systems to cope with disturbances (e.g., flooding from sea level rise) by adapting to preserve system functions. Principles of resilience (e.g., prepare, adapt, resist, and recover) are put into context before and after a series of disturbances. For these reasons, scientists, engineers, and community leaders must collaborate on policies, programs, and projects that ensure coastal areas can absorb or avoid damage while safeguarding ecosystems, structures, industries, and communities.