Abstract
AbstractMarine coastal ecosystems are crucial to human populations in reducing disaster risk. Least Developed Countries are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as sea‐level rise and storm surges. The Mauritanian coast, West Africa, ranks among the most vulnerable worldwide to sea‐level rise, and coastal communities in the National Park of Banc d’Arguin (PNBA) are particularly at risk. Here, we assessed the service of coastal protection in PNBA by (1) mapping the coastal marine ecosystems with Sentinel‐2 imagery and determining their spatial wave height attenuation rates; (2) assessing the vulnerability of villages and natural habitats to coastal hazard risk; and (3) assessing the applicability of coastal protection measures in the PNBA. We found that a total of 83% of the populated coastline presents a moderate to high risk of flooding and erosion, with Iwik and R’Gueiba being the most threatened villages in the PNBA. As for the ecological risk, two low‐elevated islands, which support breeding colonies of birds, are particularly vulnerable to sea‐level rise. However, in other areas, the rupture in the dune cord created new lagoons that present valuable ecological and economic interests like the Lagoon of Bellaat. Improving the comprehension of wave attenuation provided by coastal habitats, combined with identifying the vulnerability and applicability of coastal protection measures, is essential for achieving the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction goals. In the PNBA, relocation of identified villages at risk is probably the best cost‐effective solution with the least disturbance to both breeding and wintering birds. Protection of coastal ecosystems will also ensure a continued provision of other ecosystem services, including food supply for sea dependent populations, and contribute to achieving the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlights
Human populations living in low-lying coastal zones are vulnerable to coastal erosion and flooding (McGranahan et al 2007, FitzGerald et al 2008)
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) emphasizes the need to address underlying causes of disaster risk and to prevent the emergence of new risks, in addition to disaster preparedness. Coastal marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and salt marshes are critical in reducing disaster risk in low-lying coastal zones, as they support three essential functions for coastal protection: wave attenuation, storm surge reduction, and seabed elevation (Shepard et al 2011, Duarte et al 2013, Ondiviela et al 2014, Spalding et al 2014)
Study area Located between 19°20’ N and 20°30’ N along the coast of Mauritania, the National Park of Banc d’Arguin (PNBA) is one of the largest protected areas in West Africa, covering 12,000 km2 (Fig. 1)
Summary
Human populations living in low-lying coastal zones are vulnerable to coastal erosion and flooding (McGranahan et al 2007, FitzGerald et al 2008). The SFDRR emphasizes the need to address underlying causes of disaster risk and to prevent the emergence of new risks, in addition to disaster preparedness Coastal marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and salt marshes are critical in reducing disaster risk in low-lying coastal zones, as they support three essential functions for coastal protection: wave attenuation, storm surge reduction, and seabed elevation (Shepard et al 2011, Duarte et al 2013, Ondiviela et al 2014, Spalding et al 2014). The resulting decline in the coastal protection service they provide put coastal infrastructures and populations even more at risk in the face of climate change (Shepard et al 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
