Preparing coastal profiles

Preparing profiles of coastal zone characteristics

Description

Preparing coastal profiles involves systematically surveying and documenting the physical characteristics of coastlines, including elevation, slope, and sediment composition. This essential action supports effective coastal management by identifying areas vulnerable to erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise. Accurate coastal profiles enable targeted interventions, inform infrastructure planning, and guide habitat restoration, thereby mitigating environmental risks and supporting sustainable development in coastal zones.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends preparing and maintaining profiles of coastal area resources, activities, uses, habitats and protected areas based on sustainable development criteria. The coastal profiles should also identify critical areas, including eroded zones, physical processes, development patterns, user conflicts and specific priorities for management.