Assessment of the Vulnerability of the Lucana Coastal Zones (South Italy) to Natural Hazards

The coastal physical vulnerability study conducted in the North-East coast region of Aceh, which was focused on the calculation of the physical vulnerability index based on the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) method which was integrated with the Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine the most dominant contribution to coastal vulnerability. The index is calculated based on six variables: geomorphology, coastal erosion, slope, changes in sea level, wave height and tidal range. Basically, the emphasis on methodological aspects is related to: (i) the use of GIS techniques to construct, interpolate, filter, and sample data for shoreline networks, (ii) physical vulnerability calculations using the CVI method approach, and (iii) values CVI is applied in vulnerability maps using the GIS program by providing CVI ratings to three levels, namely low, medium, and high. The results of this study indicate that the coastal physical vulnerability of the North East Aceh region is dominated by a moderate level of vulnerability of 83.61% with 51 sub-districts, and then a low vulnerability of 9.84% with 6 sub-districts, and a high vulnerability of 6.56% with 4 sub-districts out of a total of 61 Districts in 10 Regencies / Cities on the North-East coast of Aceh. According to physical conditions, each variable has the same weight, so that each variable has the same contribution to the vulnerability index of the North-East coastal region of Aceh.

This study aims to analyse the vulnerability of yacht marinas in Bodrum to sea level rise (SLR) compound impacts using seven spatial physical and eight socio-economic parameters. A new integrated marina vulnerability index (IMVI) was developed as a composition of the physical coastal vulnerability index (PCVI) and non-physical marina vulnerability index (MVI). To determine vulnerability values, coastal vulnerability index approach was used. A geo-database was created using spatial and tabular data collected from different data source. The PCVI parameters were converted to a 1-5 scale by using geographic information systems analysis (GIS) (subset, buffer, slope, reclass, map algebra), and PCVI values were calculated. The MVI parameters were converted to a 1-5 scale by using the natural break classification method, and MVI values were calculated. Both PCVI and MVI results were presented as maps and tabular values using a scale of 1 (Very Low Vulnerability) to 5 (Very High Vulnerability). The results provide comparative vulnerability analyses of seven marinas, using the PCVI and MVI, individually and, their combination with IMVI. The findings showed that the physical vulnerability of marinas was generally higher than their socio-economic vulnerability. While the physically very high vulnerability marinas are Turgutreis, Yalikavak and Ortakent, the marina with very low socio-economic vulnerability is Ortakent. According to IMVI results, Turgutreis, Yalikavak and Milta are the vulnerable marinas both physically and socio-economically. Consequently, this study potentially brings a new perspective to research on SLR-induced climate impacts not only for marinas but also for cargo ports.

In recent decades, coastal erosion phenomena have increased due to climate change. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme events and the poor sediment supply by anthropized river basins (dams, river weirs, culverts, etc.) have a crucial role in coastal erosion. Therefore, an integrated analysis of coastal erosion is crucial to produce detailed and accurate coastal erosion vulnerability information to support mitigation strategies. This research aimed to assess the erosion vulnerability of the Sicilian coast, also including a validation procedure of the obtained scenario. The coastal vulnerability was computed by means of the CeVI (Coastal Erosion Vulnerability Index) approach, which considers physical indicators such as geomorphology and geology, coastal slope, sea storms, wave maxima energy flux and sediment supply to river mouths. Each indicator was quantified using indexes which were assessed considering transects orthogonal to the coastline in 2020. These transects were clustered inside natural compartments called littoral cells. Each cell was assumed to contain a complete cycle of sedimentation and not to have sediment exchange with the near cells. Physical parameters were identified to define a new erosion vulnerability index for the Sicilian coast. By using physical indexes (geological/geomorphological, erosion/sediment supply, sea storms, etc.), the CeVI was calculated both for each littoral cell and for the transects that fall into retreating/advancing coastal areas. The vulnerability index was then validated by comparing CeVI values and the coastline change over time. The validation study showed a direct link between the coastline retreat and high values of CeVI. The proposed method allowed for a detailed mapping of the Sicilian coastal vulnerability, and it will be useful for coastal erosion risk management purposes.

In the present paper, the coastal risk is assessed, at a regional scale, to produce a risk map that will help to prioritize policies and economic resources in coastal management and planning activities. The DPSIR method is here used taking into account processes and cause/effect relationship between Drivers and Pressures, which induce an alteration of actual State and, hence, Impacts on the environment, society and economy. The study area is located in South Italy (Apulia region), where the Risk Index is calculated and mapped for all municipalities facing the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Both coastal Vulnerability and Exposure Indexes are firstly calculated according to the procedure suggested in the EUrosion project (EU model) as the product of specific indicators describing the state of coastal zones, their natural characteristics and both natural and anthropic pressures. Based on both EU model results and knowledge of states and pressures of the study area, a new modified model is then proposed (Mod.E.M.) and final risk maps compared. The comparison shows that new Vulnerability and Exposure indexes better describe the ongoing coastal processes and pressures and allow us to identify hot-spot sites where more detailed analyses could be further focused on. The Mod.E.M. has more than just a local significance since the case study includes coastal areas with so different characteristics, that it can be easily applied to other coastal regions. Moreover, to take into account climate change effects, Risk Index is evaluated under Representative Concentration Pathways R C P 4.5 and R C P 8.5 , mainly affecting the sea level rise and the storm surge level.

Accurate assessment of coastal vulnerability is crucial for effective coastal risk management, especially in the context of increasing human pressure. One common approach to evaluating coastal erosion risk involves the use of geomorphological-based indices. These indices typically combine various physical factors such as: shoreline changes with historical and recent trends in coastline movement (erosion or accretion); dune and beach geometry (slope, dune height, and width); presence and type of vegetation, which can stabilize or destabilize the coastline; coastal infrastructure. the presence and type of human-made structures, such as seawalls and groins, which can impact coastal processes. These factors are often assigned weights or ranks to create a vulnerability classification, allowing for the identification of areas at higher risk of erosion. This approach provides a valuable framework for understanding the inherent susceptibility of a coastline to erosion. However, it is important to highlight that this is a simplified representation of complex coastal processes. Geomorphological indices offer a valuable tool for initial assessments of coastal vulnerability. Nevertheless, they should be used in conjunction with other data sources and analyses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of coastal processes. This study investigates coastal vulnerability along a coastline in Basilicata, southern Italy. The region faces significant coastal erosion due to a combination of natural factors and human impacts. To assess vulnerability, the study employs a multi-scale approach based on:  i) Coastal Erosion Susceptibility Index (CESI), this index evaluates the inherent susceptibility of the coastline to erosion based on factors like shoreline changes, dune and beach geometry, and vegetation. The results identified "hotspots" – areas with the highest level of susceptibility of coastal erosion; ii) High-resolution LiDAR Surveys, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with LiDAR sensors were used to create detailed 3D models of the coastline. By comparing LiDAR data from 2013 and 2023, we quantified the extent of coastal erosion and identified specific areas of significant change. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating spatial data derived by indices with high-resolution LiDAR data for comprehensive coastal vulnerability assessment. This approach provides valuable insights for coastal managers in developing effective adaptation strategies to address the challenges posed by coastal erosion in the context of climate change and sea-level rise.Founded by: Progetto PE 0000020 CHANGES, - CUP [B53C22003890006], Spoke 7, PNRR Missione 4 Componente 2 Investimento 1.3, finanziato dall’Unione europea – NextGenerationEU

The increasing vulnerability of coastal areas to climate change and coastal Risks, is now clearly established due to sea level rise. These events, which have become commonplace, constitute a danger for residents and for public facilities, roads, homes, etc. and make these areas more and more vulnerable. Although measures to reduce this vulnerability of coastal cities have been identified by experts and authorities, a resistance exists to their implementation by the inhabitants of these areas exposed to coastal risks. The aim of our study is to investigate risk perception and coping strategies used by inhabitants of areas at risk of coastal flooding and coastal erosion, and to identify potential differences between these two types of coastal risks. More precisely, this study seeks to identify the major predictors of the willingness to cope using Bayesian regression. 208 inhabitants of coastal areas exposed at risk of coastal flooding and erosion in Pays de la Loire, region of western France, participated to our study. Results reveal that coastal erosion is perceived as a greater threat, essentially because it is perceived as more frightening than coastal flooding. Moreover, our results showed that past experiences of coastal risks had an impact on the willingness to use active coping strategies and that there were major differences in the choice of strategy depending on the risks. These results are discussed in terms of risk management.

Coasts are dynamic places operated on by powerful natural and human forces. They are also historically attractive places for human settlement and use, with a still constantly growing concentration of people due to increased population growth and migration toward the coast. Coastal societies historically have evolved and developed culturally embedded relationships with their environment, which have resulted in different cultural settings, influencing the way they experience and react toward climate change impacts in their lifeworld. Coastal risks are specific to different regional, natural, and societal settings and can be distinguished between slow-onset (e.g., sea level rise or ocean acidification) and sudden extreme events (e.g., tropical cyclones or storm surges). Coastal climate risks come from flooding, storms, storm surges, saltwater intrusion, invasive species, declining fish stocks or shifting species’ regimes, coral bleaching, coastal erosion, and morphological change. For centuries, coastal societies have learned to defend the coast against threats from the sea with a broad range of technical measures based on a long history of trial and error, with successes and failures. Further, for centuries, littoral societies have constructed coasts and infrastructure according to their interests and needs (e.g., engineering the coastline, installing coastal defenses, constructing harbor and landing infrastructures, and even claiming land from the sea). Risks at the coast have always been there—but are exacerbated by climate change. A more integrated and transdisciplinary approach to understanding coastal climate risks is required, in keeping with the characterization of climate change as a wicked problem. The ways in which individuals, societies, and politics respond to climate change are in many cases contingent on perceptions of its causes, consequences, and wider implications. To study climate change impacts, therefore, an improved understand is required of the place-specific perception of coast and of coastal climate risks. These perceptions, along with other influencing factors, such as economic interests and politics, will inform the societal resilience and response of a coastal community. Resilience—understood as people’s ability to respond adequately to shocks and stressors—is place-dependent and closely connected to historic experiences and learning processes in dealing with hazards as well as the existing political and institutional arrangements that underpin governance structures. Resilience does not simply reflect the expected effects of quantifiable factors such as level of assets, or even less quantifiable social processes such as people’s experience, but is also determined by more subjective dimensions related to people’s perceptions of their ability to cope, adapt, or transform in the face of adverse events. Based on the existing place-specific experience of the littoral society, with its liminal environment and development, adaptation strategies and policies for the future need to be developed between the extremes of “living with” and “making way for” coastal and climate changes. Against this background, climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies have to be integrated and merged with disaster risk reduction (DRR) challenges, based on the integration of multiple interests in a transdisciplinary way. Societal risk construction and negotiation are crucial elements of integrative risk management, requiring participative, transparent, and flexible processes for the implementation of discursive practices and—in extreme situations—the transformation of governance structures. To understand and evaluate climate change adaptation strategies and measures along the coastline, climate change impacts threatening coastal livelihoods have to be understood alongside the societal frames of CCA policies. The capacity to adapt to changing conditions is based on the ability to develop new risk cultures and the flexibility to transition by (a) developing new norms, practices, and material culture; (b) resisting the lock-ins from routines and habits; and (c) guiding changes through scrutinizing new options or creating technocultural niches that favor certain technologies over others. Adaptive capacity in coastal societies plays an important role in dealing with coastal climate risks. The focal questions are the following: Which societal frames of climate change perception precondition adaptation? Which risks are perceived? Which cultural and political barriers hinder successful adaptation? How can DRR be integrated in CCA endeavors and future climate-resilient and sustainable pathways?

Coastal erosion vulnerability assessment along the eastern coast of Bangladesh using geospatial techniques

<p>Coastal hazards, including marine-related and gravity-induced processes such as landslides, coastal erosion, storm water runoff and coastal flooding, may have different impacts mainly due to local geomorphological characteristics and natural and anthropogenic settings. The sustainable conservation of coastal areas represents a worldwide issue and therefore, coastal vulnerability and risk assessments are of paramount importance for ensuring appropriate coastal management.</p><p>This study is focused on the assessment of coastal vulnerability along the NE sector of the Island of Gozo (Malta, Mediterranean Sea), which is characterized by diverse landforms, including plunging cliffs, sloping coasts, pocket beaches, shore platforms and a large sandy beach partly backed by dunes. Results of detailed geomorphological investigation, integrated with the analysis of marine geophysical data, show that the study area is particularly susceptible to mass movements, coastal flooding and erosion processes.</p><p>From the economic point of view, Gozo Island is considered an attractive geotourist destination due to its high environmental, cultural and geological heritage. In particular, the study area hosts Roman remains and two important natural protected areas included in the Natura 2000 network. Moreover, the presence of quarrying areas contributes to increase the economic value of the study area.</p><p>The evaluation of coastal vulnerability refers to the methodological approach proposed in the framework of the EU-funded RISC-KIT project, partially modified to adapt the method to the context of the study area and to the available information. Specifically, the method is based on the evaluation of the exposed elements in the investigated area by applying a set of indicators related to the local land use, anthropogenic and natural assets, and economic activities. Furthermore, a social vulnerability indicator is applied to evaluate the socio-economic characteristics of the population potentially exposed to coastal hazards. Available data is overlaid and reclassified by means of specific GIS tools in order to obtain the overall vulnerability level of the investigated area, represented on a coastal vulnerability map.</p><p>Results highlight that 18.3% of the study area is characterized by high to very high vulnerability: including Marsalforn Bay, which hosts an extensive urban centre, and the area nearby Dahlet Qorrot Bay, where a natural protected site is located. Ramla Bay, a very important tourist attraction hosting the largest sandy beach in Gozo, is characterized by very high vulnerability. Most of the investigated area (61.3%), is however characterized by a medium level of vulnerability, while areas characterized by low vulnerability (20.4%) mainly correspond to abandoned agricultural fields and bare rocks outcrops.</p><p>This research represents a first attempt at the assessment of coastal vulnerability in the Maltese archipelago, and shows that the method used can be easily applied to other Mediterranean coastal areas providing policy makers with comprehensive coastal vulnerability information. The latter is crucial to approaching sustainability, through integrated coastal management.</p>

GIS-based methodology for erosion risk assessment of the muddy coast in the Yangtze Delta

Binh Thuan coastal zone, nearly 192,9 km shoreline, is well known for residential, recreational areas and minor industries. Shoreline is vulnerable to accelerated sea level rise (SLR) due to its low topography and its high ecological. The present study has been carried out with a view to assess the coastal vulnerability of SLR. Coastal vulnerability map has been built to the calculating results of the place vulnerability index (PVI). The PVI is derived by summing the CVI (coastal vulnerability index) and CSoVl (coastal social vulnerability index) scores. CVI is calculated from nine variables: Geology, geomorphology, coastal slope(%), shoreline change rate (m/yr), mean elevation (m), shoreline direction, mean tidal range (m), wave height (m) and SLR (mm/yr). We use two socioeconomic variables for CSoVI which are socioeconomic variable and relative distance to coast. Results of the vulnerable areas analysis indicate that 120,73 km2 is at very high vulnerable, 84,96 km2 high, 109,23 km2 moderate, 113,99 km2 low and 232,20 km2 very low. The method in this study which combine CVI, CSoVI and PVI together is new protocol of coastal vulnerability assessment for Vietnam coastal zone due to future SLR.

Worldwide coastal zones present serious erosion problems that cause loss of territory. This phenomenon exposes people and goods to the threat, being necessary to carry out a well-founded management of these areas. Coastal erosion risk assessment methodologies are an important tool for coastal management. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate and discuss coastal management strategies based on the application of a methodology of coastal erosion risk classification, allowing easy comparison of scenarios. The study was developed for the Portuguese coastal stretch Barra-Vagueira. CERA methodology and its plugin for QGIS software were applied in order to assess the erosion risk of Barra-Vagueira stretch for different coastal erosion mitigation scenarios. First, an analysis of the coastal erosion risk was carried out based on bibliographic elements and present situation characterization. Subsequently, the erosion risk was assessed considering defence, relocation and nourishment strategies scenarios and climate change scenarios. The study based on bibliographic elements shows that the coastal region between Barra and Vagueira has a high risk of coastal erosion. Generally, the different scenarios tested represent variations on coastal erosion risk classification, allowing a simple first approach to evaluate coastal erosion mitigation scenarios, helping planning and decision-makers. Performing measures that allow to constrain the shoreline retreat, as artificial nourishments, leads to greater benefits in reducing the area of the territory classified with higher risk. New coastal defence structures allow to mainly decrease the stretch's susceptibility to coastal erosion. The relocation of population leads to a decrease in the area of the territory classified as very high-risk. Climate change increases the erosion risk.

Coastal zones in the Mediterranean are highly vulnerable due to ongoing sea-level rise, combined with the region's intense seismic and volcanic activity. Low-lying areas are particularly at risk, as their geomorphological evolution is strongly influenced by natural processes and anthropogenic interventions. Understanding and assessing these dynamic changes is critical for developing effective coastal management strategies to mitigate risks and promote sustainable development.This study focuses on the eastern coastline of Crete and introduces an innovative approach to assessing coastal vulnerability using a modified Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) methodology. The framework integrates seven key factors: geomorphology, coastal slope, relative sea-level change, shoreline erosion and accretion rates, mean wave height, mean tidal range, and the wind regime of the area. Additionally, the study evaluates future vulnerability under three distinct scenarios—short-term, medium-term, and long-term timescales. By projecting the potential impacts of coastal erosion and sea-level rise, the approach provides a robust foundation for understanding and mitigating future challenges.The proposed methodology is pioneering, incorporating new parameters to refine and enhance the traditional CVI framework. This innovation enables a deeper understanding of coastal vulnerability, allowing researchers and policymakers to identify and prioritize areas of greatest risk. By integrating geomorphological analysis with scenario-based projections, the approach delivers actionable insights for resilience planning and adaptation strategies. This research makes a significant contribution to the field of coastal vulnerability assessment by offering a replicable framework that can be applied across diverse Mediterranean coastal settings. Its findings underscore the urgency of addressing coastal challenges while highlighting the potential for methodological innovation to advance integrated coastal management.This project, titled "Study of the Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Vulnerability in Eastern Crete," has received funding under the program "NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND INNOVATIVE ACTIONS 2022," Priority Axis 3: "RESEARCH AND APPLICATION," budget: €200,000, beneficiary: NCSR Demokritos, funding body:  Greece's Green Fund

The shoreline of Kalutara, Sri Lanka has become more prone to erosion because of environmental changes caused by natural and anthropogenic factors including climate change. The study aimed to assess and map the physical and social vulnerability to coastal erosion in the shoreline between the Kalu and Bolgoda River mouths in Southwest Sri Lanka. This study relied on secondary data sources such as topographic, digitized, and satellite maps obtained from the Survey Department and the website of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) was calculated using only five variables namely coastal slope, geology, soil, shoreline change (End Point Rate), and Land Use and Land Cover (LULC). On the other hand, for the Social Coastal Vulnerable Index (SVI), several socioeconomic variables were examined. Kalutara North and Thotupala have been identified as having a higher risk of Physical and Social Coastal Vulnerability. This research, therefore, revealed that the coastal zone along Kalutara – Panadura in Sri Lanka is vulnerable both physically and socially due to the accelerating rate of coastal erosion. Because of the potential effects of climate change and rising sea levels, this scenario would pose a serious threat to the environment and communities in the foreseeable future.

The coastal environment faces increasing pressures from human activities but are also vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise. This study aims to assess and compare the vulnerability and erosion of highly touristic coastlines in three regions of the Eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus, Greece (Lesvos Island), and Montenegro). The coastal risk assessment was analyzed using the Coastal Vulnerability Index, Visitation and Tourism parameter, and the Coastal Erosion Index. The InVEST Coastal Vulnerability model evaluates up to seven bio-geo-physical components, establishing a vulnerability index, while the InVEST Visitation Recreation and Tourism model estimates tourist visitation. The XBeach model simulates the nearshore processes under time-varying storm conditions that contain a time-dependent wave action balance solver. Coastal vulnerability percentages reveal high and very high vulnerability for Cyprus (56%), Lesvos (40%), and Montenegro (34%), due to different local conditions. The InVEST Visitation Recreation and Tourism model highlights Molyvos and Petra (Lesvos), Kotor and Budva (Montenegro), and Paphos and Limassol (Cyprus) as the most tourist destinations in the study zones. According to the results of Coastal Erosion, Coral Bay’s beach appears more vulnerable, with shoreline retreat exceeding 14 m for the selected climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). In contrast, Budva’s beach shows a retreat of more than 12 m for RCP 4.5 and 16 m for RCP 8.5 scenario. Notably, Petra’s beach exhibits the least retreat, with higher values reaching 4 m for RCP 4.5 and 13 m for the RCP 8.5 scenario. These findings contribute to suggesting coastal management strategies for shoreline conservation and tourism sustainability.