Evaluation of coastal squeeze and beach reduction and its consequences for the Caribbean island Martinique

Christine Schleupner ()
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Christine Schleupner: Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg

No FNU-72, Working Papers from Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg University

Abstract: Based on a spatial model, the Martinique beaches and coastal wetlands are examined to identify the risks of coastal squeeze. In many cases coastal development prevents coasts from adapting by shifting landward. Also tourism infrastructure augments the vulnerability of beach reduction and mangrove squeeze. More than 70% of all Martinique beaches and 29% of mangrove forests are highly endangered by coastal squeeze if sea level rises. The majority of coastal constructions and especially tourist hotels are built at heights between 1 and 10 m above the present sea level and therefore also within the zone at risk to flooding and erosion. Spatial analysis based on a conducted GIS model is carried out that evaluates the tourist destinations most vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise. If sea level rises and beach reduction becomes an increasing problem the attractiveness of Martinique beaches as tourist destination is likely to decline.

Keywords: Caribbean; Lesser Antilles; Regional Planning; GIS; Climate Change; Coastal Change; Erosion; Inundation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene, nep-env and nep-tur
Date: 2005-05, Revised 2005-05
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