Abstract
Coastal lagoons and dunes are of great ecological importance, not only for providing habitats for rare flora and fauna, but also for protecting coastal areas from rising sea levels and storms, etc. Even though these features are unique for sustainable development and are extremely important to the natural environment and economy, they are one of the most vulnerable and threatened ecosystems due to their small size. The western coasts of Naxos (central Aegean Sea) represent an example of such phenomena, with various wetlands bordered by low-lying sand dunes. The aim of our study is to assess the vulnerability and pressures of the western coasts of Naxos Isl. by taking into consideration both natural and anthropogenic factors. We used a variety of approaches for the environmental and geomorphological study of the coastal zone to achieve this goal, including: (a) study of aerial photography from 1960 until today, (b) systematic seasonal aerial monitoring by drone, since 2015, (c) use of DGPS for the mapping of the coastal zone and for obtaining detailed topographic sections, and (d) dune mapping. Our findings reveal the vulnerability of the western coasts of Naxos due to sea level rise, tectonic subsidence, and a variety of anthropogenic pressures, such as uncontrolled parking, vegetation uprooting, sand extractions, and heavy touristic traffic. Therefore, the protection of the sand dunes, their restoration where they have been eroded, the definition of a zone of control, and restriction of human activities must be a key priority.
Highlights
In recent decades, the coastal zone has been continuously sustaining increased tourist activities, but it is directly impacted by climate-change factors as well as non-climate change related factors [1].Climate change, associated with the ongoing sea-level rise, is intensifying coastal erosion and inundation, resulting in significant environmental changes, habitat loss, as well as significant financial loss through its effects on local populations and tourism in the area
Our study aims to assess the vulnerability and pressures on the western coasts of Naxos, considering both natural and anthropogenic factors
The coastal areas of western Naxos are characterized by several landforms such as wetlands that border with low-lying sand dunes
Summary
The coastal zone has been continuously sustaining increased tourist activities, but it is directly impacted by climate-change factors (i.e., continuous sealevel rise, increased frequency and magnitude of storms) as well as non-climate change related factors (i.e., land use, population increase, water management, subsidence) [1].Climate change, associated with the ongoing sea-level rise, is intensifying coastal erosion and inundation, resulting in significant environmental changes, habitat loss (directly or indirectly), as well as significant financial loss through its effects on local populations and tourism in the area. The observed climate change and the resultant sea level rise, the increase of storm surges and other extreme events that afflict the coastal zone and, the rapidly increasing population of the coastal zone will surely have a significant impact on the resilience of the coastal systems, and on the strategies of adaptive services and goods [2,3,4]. The Mediterranean coastal zone hosts a notable number of visitors, with increasing demand for access to infrastructure and accommodation. This concentrated urbanization in combination with industrial development has led to significant pressures on the coastal environment, including habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. In the absence of proper management, these pressures threaten the values that have led to such visitation numbers and development
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
