Coastal vulnerability assessment and identification of adaptation measures to climate change

Abstract

The sea level rise due to atmospheric warming, is one the phenomena the most treated by the scientific researchers IPCC. One of the regions most affected by this phenomenon on Algerian coast is the region of Zemmouri, located northwest of Algiers, on over 55 km of coastline between Cape Matifou in the West and Cape Djinet in the East. Objective of this paper is to evaluate the CVIPhys (physical coastal vulnerability) and the CVIeco (socioeconomic vulnerability). We helped mapping the zones most vulnerable to climate change by using a geographic information system (GIS). Firstly, the CVIPhys was calculated by using six physical variables, these include geomorphology, coastal slope, mean tidal range, wave height, coastal erosion rate and sea level rise. Secondly, CVIeco was determined by using six variables, including population, cultural heritage, roads, railroads, land use and conservation designation. The results obtained from CVIPhys show that 52% (24.58 km) of the eastern coastline has a high to very high vulnerability. According to the values obtained from CVIeco, the most vulnerable areas represent 36% (30 km) along the coast. These results can be used by decision makers and planners in the integrated management of coastal areas.