Estimation of the Coastal Vulnerability Index Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making: The Coastal Social–Ecological System of Rachgoun, Western Algeria

Rabia Yahia Meddah (), Tarik Ghodbani, Rachida Senouci, Walid Rabehi, Lia Duarte and Ana Cláudia Teodoro
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Rabia Yahia Meddah: Research Laboratory of Geographical Space and Spatial Planning, Department of Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences and the Universe, University of Oran 2 Mohamed Ben Ahmed, B.P1 1524 El-M’Naouar, Oran 31000, Algeria
Tarik Ghodbani: Research Laboratory of Geographical Space and Spatial Planning, Department of Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences and the Universe, University of Oran 2 Mohamed Ben Ahmed, B.P1 1524 El-M’Naouar, Oran 31000, Algeria
Rachida Senouci: Research Laboratory of Geographical Space and Spatial Planning, Department of Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences and the Universe, University of Oran 2 Mohamed Ben Ahmed, B.P1 1524 El-M’Naouar, Oran 31000, Algeria
Walid Rabehi: Centre des Techniques Spatiales, Algerian Space Agency, 01 Avenue de la Palestine, BP 13, Oran 31200, Algeria
Lia Duarte: Department of Geosciences, Environment and Land Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169007 Porto, Portugal
Ana Cláudia Teodoro: Department of Geosciences, Environment and Land Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169007 Porto, Portugal

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-28

Abstract: This research deals with spatial vulnerability in the coastal area of Rachgoun (Algeria), on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Over the past two decades, the coastal area of Rachgoun has been suffering from a large amount of pressure due to accelerated socioeconomic development, urbanization, tourism, fishing, and agriculture. The main objective of this study is to visualize the coastal vulnerability of Rachgoun using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). A multidisciplinary approach that integrates geological, physical, and socioeconomic vulnerability was adopted. The selected parameters for the study include lithology, elevation, slope, shoreline change, significant wave height, population density, tourist density, land use/land cover (LULC), road network density, proximity to coast, distance from river, people’s awareness, and designated conservation areas and cultural heritage. Data from AlSat-2 Satellite imagery, aerial photography, topographic maps, and field surveys were processed. Spatial modeling was conducted through the MCDM approach and geographic information systems (GIS) to develop two sub-indices: the natural vulnerability index (CVI N ) and the socioeconomic vulnerability index (CVI S ). The combination of the two sub-indices allowed us to deduce the integrated coastal vulnerability index (ICVI). The outcomes present a coastal vulnerability map with a spatial resolution of 10 m of the identified problematic area. This map can guide decision-makers in implementing an effective integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) strategy.

Keywords: Mediterranean coast; coastal vulnerability; multi-criteria analysis; coastal social–ecological system (CSES); multidisciplinary approach; geographic information system (GIS) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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