Characterization of SDGs towards Coastal Management: Sustainability Performance and Cross-Linking Consequences

Cor A. Schipper, Gerben G.J. Dekker, Beer de Visser, Bas Bolman and Quirijn Lodder
Additional contact information
Cor A. Schipper: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, P.O. Box 2232 3500GE Utrecht, The Netherlands
Gerben G.J. Dekker: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, P.O. Box 2232 3500GE Utrecht, The Netherlands
Beer de Visser: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, P.O. Box 2232 3500GE Utrecht, The Netherlands
Bas Bolman: Deltares, P.O. Box 177 2600MH Delft, The Netherlands
Quirijn Lodder: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, P.O. Box 2232 3500GE Utrecht, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-33

Abstract: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and associated targets focus on a wide range of global issues and can be useful in coastal challenges such as climate change and green economic growth. The aim of this study is to tailor the SDGs, as a universally recognized policy framework, to assess the sustainability performance for coastal flood protection management to enhance climate-resilient and adaptable coastal development. To operationalize this aim, the SDG Sustainability Impact Score (SDG-SIS) framework was developed. Based on system functionalities for the land–sea interface, 38 SDGs were identified in the SDG-SIS framework. Given the availability of public numeric data, only 12 SDG targets are connected with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The SDG-SIS framework was applied to two different sets of cases, including five coastline and five sand nourishment cases. This study shows that the geographical and socioeconomic characteristics of the two sets of cases should be considered in the selection of system functionalities as well as the consideration of SDG targets. Moreover, cross-linking cumulative consequences of SIS do not directly indicate the level of sustainability, but the individual SDG target data are essential to reveal the underlying details. This stresses the importance of prioritizing SDGs to serve as leverage for policymakers to optimize the climate resilience and adaptation of coastal management. The SDG-SIS framework enables the support of coastal policy by addressing long-term measures and providing a sustainable vision for future implementation.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); coastal management; flood defense; assessment framework; sustainability; climate resilience; climate change adaptation; nature-based solution; Key Performance Indicators (KPIs); economic green growth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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