Environmental sensitivity index assessment algorithm in coastal areas: A method

Abstract

Accuracy of data is needed for assessment of environmental sensitivity index (ESI) in coastal areas. This paper aims to create an algorithm and database system for calculating ESI values with three main elements, vulnerability index (VI), ecological index (EI) and socio-economic index (SI). The themes that are calculated include the type of beach, coral reef, mangrove, seagrass ecosystem, and location of community economic activities such as tourism, port, agricultural land, fishpond, salt ponds, mariculture, and capture fisheries. Algorithms are compiled for ESI calculations so that they are structured and accurate through the compilation of databases from VI, EI, and SI determinants, preparation of input tables, and presentation of results of ESI calculations. The database is built using Microsoft Excel software.