A proposed methodology for coastal risk management

Coastal erosion is a gradual process that alters the distribution of sediments and modifies the geomorphology of the coasts. It may result in the destruction of natural coastal defences (sand dunes, cliffs, etc) and the increase in land instability which may in turn result in flooding of the hinterland and landsliding of coastal areas with steep slopes and unstable materials. The damages induced by such hazards include loss of life, property, infrastructure, and land. The costs of emergency action, remediation and prevention can often represent a significant burden to the communities affected and to national governments. According to predictions, climate change impacts, including sea-level rise and extreme weather patterns, will lead to the increase in the frequency and intensity of such hazards. Risk-based decisionmaking is seen to provide the means of addressing the challenges put forward by climate change. The complexity and interrelation of the processes acting on coastal locations call for an integrated framework for the assessment of coastal risks and the identification of the appropriate measures for the prevention and reduction of erosion, flood, and landslide risks. In this paper, existing models for the mapping of pressures on coasts and current development practices and tools will be reviewed, before a holistic methodology is proposed in order to assist decision-makers in effective coastal risk management.