Vulnerability Analysis of the Venetian Littoral and Adopted Mitigation Strategy

Piero Ruol,Chiara Favaretto,Luca Martinelli

doi:10.3390/w10080984

Abstract

This paper discusses the key aspects of the recent Coastal Plan of the Veneto Region (IT). Its aim is to propose a single mitigation strategy for coastal erosion that is valid for the whole Veneto Region, and possibly elsewhere, as well as a method to assign a priority level to any action. The suggested mitigation action against erosion depends on urbanization level, beach width, as well as cross-shore and long-shore sediment transport. The criterion used to give a priority level to mitigation actions is based on a vulnerability index that takes into account erosive tendency, existing coastal flooding hazards, coast value, environmental relevance, tourist pressure, urbanization level, the presence of production activities, and cultural heritage. A sample case featuring the littoral of Rosolina is also provided and includes a site description, the sediment budget, critical issues and possible mitigation measures.

Highlights

In Italy, when coastal managers at the Regional Authorities were faced with coastal erosion problems, they were frequently guided by an empirical approach based on simple transport equations, or even solely by their intuition
The paper presents the method used to set up the Coastal Plan for the Venetian littoral
Ensuingcollected erosion and modelled data, the accuracy of which is based on a compensation criterion

Summary

Introduction

In Italy, when coastal managers at the Regional Authorities were faced with coastal erosion problems, they were frequently guided by an empirical approach based on simple transport equations, or even solely by their intuition. Local authorities are expected to produce a medium-term coastal plan that can effectively reduce and manage the risks that natural processes (e.g., storms, floods and erosion) pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage, and businesses. They are required to produce a flooding vulnerability map that includes coastal inundation in compliance with EU Directive (2007/60/EC)

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Conclusion