Elsevier

Tourism Management

Volume 27, Issue 3, June 2006, Pages 517-524
Tourism Management

Erosion and tourism infrastructure in the coastal zone: Problems, consequences and management

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2005.10.019Get rights and content

Abstract

The importance of coastal zones to the tourism industry and the need to protect such resources is not only vital to the economy of nations but presents a growing dilemma for many localities and regions. Beaches have become synonymous with tourism and with current predictions of climate change and sea-level rise; they are under significant threat of erosion worldwide. From an assessment of the effects of erosion, including evaluation of impacts on coastal destinations and tourism development, the consequences for global tourism business are projected. An analysis of hard and soft engineering responses showed that coastal protection measures should be linked to physical processes whilst management strategies included a case study proposal for beach nourishment, in response to the erosion of a tourist beach. Integrated Coastal Zone Management is justified as a tool for managing coastal resources and accommodating increasing pressures from tourism whilst strategies are recommended to ameliorate projected impacts.

Section snippets

Introduction: making waves, erosion and tourist beaches

A major current environmental debate concerns climate change together with predictions of causes and effects (Christy, 2001; Croner, 2001; Environmental Scientist, 1999; Matthews, 2003; Nature, 2002). Some of these predictions, especially with respect to sea-level rise, could have significant consequences for future management of the coastal zone (Granja & Carvalho, 2000; Jensen, Bender, & Blasi, 2001; Leatherman, 1991; Rivis, Ratas, & Kont, 2002; Vilibic, Leder, & Smircic, 2000). Beach erosion

Climatic changes and associated erosion

Climate change could contribute significantly to beach erosion because of the predicted increase of storm activity and/or intensity, sea-level rise and the interaction of both consequences. Jensen et al. (2001) reported that since about 1960, there had been an increase in frequency and duration of storm floods along the German North Sea coastline, whilst Vilibic et al. (2000) predicted an increase in storm surges in the Adriatic Sea. These will cause considerable damage to coastal

Utilising traditional methods

Hard engineering structures such as seawalls, groynes, piers, etc. have traditionally been used to manage storms and tides for the protection of developments within the coastal zone. These structures are expensive and tend to promote erosion, possibly by the formation of rip currents. In Porthcawl, South Wales, the Esplanade seawall of 1887 was replaced in 1906 and again in 1934 as erosion continually undermined the previous constructions. Beach levels continued to fall and in 1984 the beach

Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM): combining coastal conservation with tourism development

The factors which influence sustainability in coastal management span social, economic, institutional, bio-physical and legal conditions (Christie, 2005). However, as argued by Sorensen (1997), despite the growth in ICZM over the past 30 years, there is uncertainty and little information regarding successful strategies. The clear trends of continued human migration to the coast and major growth in coastal tourism, has resulted in escalating investment in coastal locations (JHCS (John Heinz III

Conclusions

Beach erosion undoubtedly poses a significant threat to recreation and tourism and consequently the economy of many localities and regions. There is uncertainty regarding climate change and the validity of current predictions but general consensus amongst coastal scientists is that there will be an increased incidence of storm surges and a general rise in sea level. Coastal managers will therefore need to adopt techniques that work with the natural processes rather than simply implement

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