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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Sustainable Coastal Management
Coastlines around the world are under increasing pressure from human activities, development and climate change. With rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events, managing our coastlines in a way that protects both people and environments has never been more important.
Key Definitions:
Coasts face numerous threats including erosion, flooding, habitat loss and pollution. Without proper management, these issues can lead to loss of land, property damage, economic losses and environmental degradation. Sustainable management aims to balance protection of people and property with preservation of natural coastal processes and ecosystems.
Climate change is making coastal management more urgent and complex. Rising sea levels, more intense storms and changing weather patterns are increasing coastal erosion and flood risks. Sustainable approaches must now factor in these long-term changes and build resilience into coastal communities and ecosystems.
There are several approaches to managing coastlines, each with different levels of sustainability. The most sustainable approaches work with natural processes rather than against them.
Coastal management strategies are often categorised as either 'hard' or 'soft' engineering. Understanding the sustainability of each approach is crucial for making informed management decisions.
Involves building solid structures to protect the coast. Examples include sea walls, groynes and breakwaters. While effective at protecting specific areas, these approaches can be less sustainable as they're expensive, require maintenance and can cause problems elsewhere along the coast.
Works with natural processes rather than against them. Examples include beach nourishment, dune regeneration and managed retreat. Generally more sustainable as they're often cheaper, more flexible and enhance natural environments, though they may provide less immediate protection.
Combines hard and soft techniques for optimal results. For example, using offshore breakwaters to reduce wave energy while also replenishing beaches. This balanced approach is often the most sustainable solution for complex coastal areas.
Let's explore some specific strategies that form part of sustainable coastal management:
Sometimes the most sustainable option is to allow natural processes to continue without intervention. This approach recognises that coastal erosion and deposition are natural processes that have shaped coastlines for millennia. It's most appropriate in areas with low population density and limited infrastructure.
Also called 'managed realignment', this involves deliberately allowing the shoreline to move inland in a controlled way. Buildings and infrastructure are relocated away from vulnerable areas. While initially disruptive, this can be the most sustainable long-term solution for some areas, especially with rising sea levels.
Adding sand or shingle to beaches to replace material lost through erosion. This soft engineering approach maintains beaches for both coastal protection and recreation. It works with natural processes but requires ongoing maintenance as the added material will eventually be moved by waves and currents.
Restoring or enhancing sand dunes which act as natural barriers against coastal flooding and erosion. Techniques include planting marram grass to stabilise dunes, installing sand fences and restricting access to allow recovery. This approach enhances natural habitats while providing coastal protection.
ICZM is considered the gold standard for sustainable coastal management. It takes a holistic view of the coastal zone and involves all stakeholders in decision-making.
ICZM brings together all those with an interest in the coast, including local communities, businesses, environmental groups and government agencies. This collaborative approach ensures that different perspectives are considered and helps build consensus around management decisions.
ICZM uses scientific research and monitoring to understand coastal processes and the potential impacts of different management options. This evidence-based approach leads to more effective and sustainable solutions.
Rather than reacting to immediate problems, ICZM takes a long-term view, considering future changes such as climate change impacts. This proactive approach is more sustainable as it anticipates and prepares for future challenges.
Medmerry on the Sussex coast was once protected by shingle beaches that required constant maintenance. After years of fighting a losing battle against coastal erosion, authorities opted for a managed realignment approach. Between 2011-2013, new sea defences were built further inland and the old defences were breached, allowing the sea to flood the area in a controlled way.
The project created 183 hectares of new wetland habitat, which now serves as a nature reserve supporting diverse wildlife. It also provides sustainable flood protection for 348 homes, local infrastructure and a water treatment works. The scheme has won multiple awards for its innovative approach to sustainable coastal management.
Key sustainability aspects include:
When assessing how sustainable a coastal management strategy is, we need to consider multiple factors:
Initial costs, maintenance requirements and economic benefits must be balanced. Sustainable approaches may have higher upfront costs but lower long-term expenses. They should also protect valuable coastal assets and potentially create new economic opportunities.
Impact on habitats, biodiversity and natural processes is crucial. Sustainable management preserves or enhances coastal ecosystems rather than damaging them and maintains the natural functioning of the coastal system.
Effects on local communities, cultural heritage and recreational opportunities matter. Sustainable approaches involve communities in decision-making and aim to maintain or improve quality of life for coastal residents.
As climate change accelerates, sustainable coastal management is becoming increasingly important. Future approaches will likely include:
The Sand Engine (Zandmotor) is an innovative example of sustainable coastal management in the Netherlands. Rather than repeatedly adding small amounts of sand to beaches (traditional beach nourishment), a massive amount of sand (21.5 million cubic metres) was deposited in a single location in 2011.
Natural processes like waves, currents and wind gradually distribute this sand along the coast, providing protection while creating new habitats and recreational areas. This approach is more sustainable because:
Monitoring shows the Sand Engine is performing well, protecting the coast while creating dynamic new landscapes. This approach demonstrates how innovation can lead to more sustainable coastal management solutions.
Sustainable coastal management is about finding the right balance between protecting people and property, preserving natural environments and preparing for future changes. By working with natural processes rather than against them, involving all stakeholders and taking a long-term view, we can manage our coastlines in ways that benefit both current and future generations.
Remember that there's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution - the most sustainable approach will depend on the specific characteristics and needs of each coastal area. The key is to make informed decisions based on good evidence and with consideration for all aspects of sustainability: environmental, economic and social.
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