Vulnerability to coastal erosion on Amazonian beaches and human occupation in risk areas

Abstract

The Amazonian coast has natural beauty that is still well preserved, but in some areas considered as important tourist hubs human occupation occurs in a disorderly manner, with damage and losses occurring due to coastal erosion. This article shows the study of coastal vulnerability and risk in 3 Amazonian equatorial beaches in the Marapanim city through on-site observations. Through a checklist of environmental geo-indicators was evaluated degree of vulnerability, risk to population and damage to coastal defense structures, as well as the identification of priority areas for socio-environmental planning. The results varied considerably because there are many preserved areas in contrast to the non-preserved ones, the highest vulnerability and risk rates being mainly in the central regions of Crispim and Marudá beach due to the anthropic action. At Santa Maria beach the rates were lower because it is located further inland from the Marapanim estuary. The Crispim-Santa Maria section exemplifies the various geomorphological and geographic peculiarities of the Amazon coast, such as low to moderate urban expansion, however in coastal risk areas. Due to urban consolidation, it is still low, management plans can be drawn up to serve partially modified regions to promote an orderly and safe occupation for residents.