Assessing bathing area vulnerability to sea-level rise in Gozo

Abstract

Coastal areas are known to be susceptible, vulnerable and prone to natural hazards and climate change impacts such as sea - level rise (SLR). The level of vulnerability to sea-level rise depends on various factors as discussed later on in this study. These factors include the slope shore, artificial protection, urban and artificial typology, protection level and vegetation cover. The IPCC Third Assessment Report on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability 2001, stated how smaller island are more vulnerable and more affected to SLR than larger areas as they are more sensitive. A SLR in Malta will not affect the coastal ecosystems but also the economic system, especially because tourism, fishing and leisure in Malta and Gozo are highly dependent on coastal areas. Studies show that during the 20th century alone, SLR rose by 10cm and it is predicted to increase at a faster rate in the future. Hazards such SLR are identified by the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Throughout this study, eight bathing areas will be assessed and the total vulnerability of each area will be worked out by the scores obtained, being able to compare and contrast the level of vulnerability within the same area as well as between the eight bathing areas. These scores were obtained by scoring 50 by 50m segments of the immediate coastal hinterland. Hondoq, Qbajjar and Dahlet Qorrot bathing areas were found to exhibit the highest vulnerability levels to SLR and Ramla, Inland sea and Marsalforn, lowest. Assessing the level of vulnerability in an area is important to adapt the most effective mitigation measure in the area, in order to reduce the risk and increase the adaptive capacity. Small islands should not solely focus on measures to reduce Greenhouse Gases but also measures to mitigate climate change effects.