Coastline protection and restoration: A comprehensive review of China's developmental trajectory

Abstract

In the intricate interplay between terrestrial and marine realms, coastlines have emerged as crucial geographical entities, playing significant roles in theories of human-environment relations and the implementation of coordinated developmental technologies. Subjected to various forces, such as storm surges, hurricanes, and human activities like land development, sand mining, and fishpond farming, coastlines have undergone substantial morphological changes, resulting in a decline in natural preservation rates. This has drawn global attention to the need for coastline protection and restoration. China's rapid economic development along its coast in recent decades has induced significant alterations in coastline morphology and usage, causing detrimental effects on natural coastlines. In response, the Chinese government has instituted measures involving policy formulation, regulations for coastline preservation, and extensive research efforts to improve restoration methods. This article expounds on China's policies on coastline restoration through a comprehensive review of literature and empirical field investigations. It also presents an overview of prevalent restoration methodologies for four typical coastal configurations and explores research pertaining to coastal ecological restoration. Moving beyond retrospective analysis, this article provides profound insights into the prospective landscape of China's policies and technologies concerning coastline protection and restoration. Indeed, these suggestions can serve as valuable references and scientific foundations for the preservation and restoration of coastlines.