INTRODUCTION
1
Introduction
The coastal zone represents an intermediary area where the land and sea seamlessly merge,
acting as a transitional region between the terrestrial and marine components of the Earth's
surface (Crossland et al., 2005). This strip of land is considered an "eco-socio system." It is a
complex and heterogeneous area where physical, biological, and human elements interact. The
coastal region stands apart from other terrestrial spaces due to its interface between land and
sea, which gives rise to distinct and specialized environments such as wetlands, estuaries, and
intertidal zones. These unique characteristics have resulted in diverse human uses and activities
in coastal areas, which are subject to various legal regulations (Paskoff, 1993).
This area represents a valuable asset that generates both practical and economic value, possibly
to a greater extent than any other. The coastal region is a finite resource, emphasizing the critical
need for a continuous long-term outlook and proactive planning (Hadef et Larbi. 2017). Due to
its high vulnerability to a range of hazards, including erosion, flooding, marine submersions,
landslides, oil spills, and industrial accidents, the study of risks along coasts encompasses
various domains (sciences, practices, policies, etc.) and typically incorporates notions such as
hazard, stakes, and vulnerability. However, the definitions of these terms may vary across
different sources and evolve over time with ongoing research (Paskoff, 1993).
The immense significance of coastal regions and their susceptibility to various pressures has
necessitated nations to take proactive measures and implement strategies to safeguard marine
ecosystems from degradation and pressures, while simultaneously preserving the sustainability
of socio-economic activities. One of the approaches embraced by countries is the utilization of
the integrated coastal management as a means to achieve these objectives. The primary
objective of this recent protocol in the Mediterranean is to actively work towards realizing the
following vision: "A thriving Mediterranean characterized by productive and ecologically
diverse coastal and marine ecosystems that promote sustainable development for the benefit of
current and future generations" (UNEP/MAP, 2016-2021). Integrated coastal zone management
(ICZM) initiatives have been carried out at the national level, including the development of the
national ICZM strategy in 2015 and its revision and validation in 2020 and as part of the
Algerian scientific research in this field, the objective of the present research work is to develop
a regional socioeconomic and environmental vulnerability for the Skikda province.
Coastal vulnerability studies are conducted to assess the susceptibility of coastal areas to
various hazards and to understand the potential impacts of those hazards. These studies help
1
Introduction
The coastal zone represents an intermediary area where the land and sea seamlessly merge,
acting as a transitional region between the terrestrial and marine components of the Earth's
surface (Crossland et al., 2005). This strip of land is considered an "eco-socio system." It is a
complex and heterogeneous area where physical, biological, and human elements interact. The
coastal region stands apart from other terrestrial spaces due to its interface between land and
sea, which gives rise to distinct and specialized environments such as wetlands, estuaries, and
intertidal zones. These unique characteristics have resulted in diverse human uses and activities
in coastal areas, which are subject to various legal regulations (Paskoff, 1993).
This area represents a valuable asset that generates both practical and economic value, possibly
to a greater extent than any other. The coastal region is a finite resource, emphasizing the critical
need for a continuous long-term outlook and proactive planning (Hadef et Larbi. 2017). Due to
its high vulnerability to a range of hazards, including erosion, flooding, marine submersions,
landslides, oil spills, and industrial accidents, the study of risks along coasts encompasses
various domains (sciences, practices, policies, etc.) and typically incorporates notions such as
hazard, stakes, and vulnerability. However, the definitions of these terms may vary across
different sources and evolve over time with ongoing research (Paskoff, 1993).
The immense significance of coastal regions and their susceptibility to various pressures has
necessitated nations to take proactive measures and implement strategies to safeguard marine
ecosystems from degradation and pressures, while simultaneously preserving the sustainability
of socio-economic activities. One of the approaches embraced by countries is the utilization of
the integrated coastal management as a means to achieve these objectives. The primary
objective of this recent protocol in the Mediterranean is to actively work towards realizing the
following vision: "A thriving Mediterranean characterized by productive and ecologically
diverse coastal and marine ecosystems that promote sustainable development for the benefit of
current and future generations" (UNEP/MAP, 2016-2021). Integrated coastal zone management
(ICZM) initiatives have been carried out at the national level, including the development of the
national ICZM strategy in 2015 and its revision and validation in 2020 and as part of the
Algerian scientific research in this field, the objective of the present research work is to develop
a regional socioeconomic and environmental vulnerability for the Skikda province.
Coastal vulnerability studies are conducted to assess the susceptibility of coastal areas to
various hazards and to understand the potential impacts of those hazards. These studies help