An integrated approach for assessing vulnerability and consequences of sea level rise on the Maltese coast

Abstract

Coastal ecosystems are dynamic, spatially constrained, and attractive for development. To date, the narrow coastal zone which surrounds the Maltese Island, have been heavily modified and extensively used by a myriad of uses all competing for space and resources. At present and certainly in the near future, local environment authorities are increasingly depending upon accurate data, to provide maximum information to support an integrated coastal zone management process that could hopefully phase out spatial conflict between coastal land uses. The projected rise in sea level will make it a necessity for a nation to adopt a pro-active approach within the existing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) practices in order to plan for strategies that can abate potential impacts. The factors that may increase vulnerability to sea level rise along the coastal margin are many, thus an assessment method of these impacts should call for an integration of different data on the relevant features. This study, gives a proposal for the establishment of a method to assess the vulnerability of Maltese coasts to sea level rise, which at a later stage can enable coastal managers to direct development away from potential vulnerable areas and set up adaptation strategies to mitigate impacts. Consequently this will produce better accuracy and efficiency in the existing ICZM practices.