Coastal Erosion, Settlement Exposure and Community Adaptation: An Applied Geographical Study of Vulnerable Shorelines

Abstract

The effects of coastal erosion on shoreline stability, settlement security, public infrastructure and livelihood systems in vulnerable coastal environments are a threat. The study explored shoreline retreat, exposure of households and community facilities, impacts of shoreline erosion on property and income, and adaptation strategies that residents took to prepare for shoreline erosion. Four segments of the shoreline were visited and assessed, along with household surveys and community interviews to create an applied geographical design. Results showed that Segments A and B had the highest amount of retreat, narrowing of the beaches, damage to structures, and exposure of households. 64.2% of the respondents lost land, 51.7% experienced disruption to their livelihoods, and 48.3% had to spend repetitive house repair costs. In highly exposed areas, temporary displacement and limited road access were more prevalent, and seasonal income loss was more prevalent. Community-level interventions ranged from temporary protective barriers, house repairs, livelihood diversification, seasonal migration, relocation, to engaging in collective protection activities. However, these measures were not very effective due to the lack of institutional support. 39.2% of them were considered vulnerable, 37.5% were considered moderate and 23.3% were considered low. The results provide evidence to inform location-specific coastal planning that provides for the protection of the shoreline, safer settlement development, livelihood support, community involvement and planned relocation of communities where it is no longer viable to live.