A systematic review of coastal vulnerability assessment methods in the Egyptian context: the case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coastal vulnerability is a multidimensional and vital issue in many parts of the world, as well as in Egypt. Accelerated human activities such as industry growth, tourism, and urbanization in coastal regions, together with climatic stresses – particularly Sea Level Rise (SLR) – have increased the intensity of potential risk. This review article aims to provide a coherent review of the various methods and approaches used in the coastal vulnerability assessment studies for the Egyptian northern Mediterranean coastal region. The PRISMA method was used to review and analyze coastal vulnerability assessment studies of a total of 26 Scopus peer-reviewed documents according to the selected methods, scales, and used variables in the time frame of 2012–2022. This review reveals the gaps of the current research, which are the following: lack of usage of predictive assessment methods, lack of temporal dynamic dimension in the selected methods and variables (present in only 3.8%), lack of local scale assessments (present in only 7.6%), and lack of transparency regarding the rationale for variable selection. Furthermore, the current challenges found in the reviewed coastal vulnerability assessment methods have been discussed to provide a more comprehensive, dynamic approach to assist researchers and coastal planners in preparing and protecting the vulnerable Egyptian northern coastal region.