Coastal protection assessment: a tradeoff between ecological, social, and economic issues

A significant portion (83%) of the populated coastline in Banc d'Arguin National Park faces moderate to high risk from flooding and erosion, with villages like Iwik and R’Gueiba being particularly vulnerable. The study also identified two low-elevated islands crucial for bird breeding as highly susceptible to sea-level rise. However, new lagoons formed due to dune cord ruptures offer valuable ecological and economic benefits. Researchers assessed coastal protection by mapping marine ecosystems using Sentinel-2 imagery to determine wave height attenuation rates, evaluating vulnerability to coastal hazards, and analyzing the feasibility of protection measures. Relocation of high-risk villages emerges as a cost-effective solution with minimal ecological disturbance, while protecting coastal ecosystems ensures continued provision of essential services, aligning with global disaster risk reduction and sustainability goals.

Trégarot, E., Catry, T., Pottier, A., El‐Hacen, E.-H. M., Sidi Cheikh, M. A., Cornet, C. C., Maréchal, J.-P., & Failler, P. (2021). Coastal protection assessment: a tradeoff between ecological, social, and economic issues. Ecosphere, 12(2). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3364