Coastal dune hazards

Abstract

Coastal dunes constitute plastic systems with a recognized ecological, geomorphological, geological, historical, archaeological, scenic, cultural, and socio-economic value. Furthermore, coastal dunes play a relevant protective barrier role, preventing groundwater salinization due to intrusion of sea water and preserving other natural areas and human settlements from the effects of storm waves, tides and wind. Nevertheless, the current decline of coastal dunes has become in many cases a serious ecologic and economic problem. Dune stabilization, expansion of invasive plant species, anthropogenic impacts mainly associated to urban development and tourism, and effects of climate change are identified as the main current threats to these ecosystems. After examining the main hazards to coastal dunes, the current paradigm of coastal dunes management and conservation focuses on maintaining healthy, equilibrated and dynamic dunes, recovering their natural functioning, what needs for a major scientific-based knowledge of the entire dune systems functioning, the commitment of administrations, managers and urban and landscape planners, and the implementation of integrated coastal zone management programs, as well as a change of mentality toward new and more sustainable designs of development, respecting the coastal dune frame.