CHAPTER I
Concepts of ICZM & Coastal Vulnerability
6
population. The coastal zone of the Mediterranean is particularly affected by demographic and
environmental pressures, as over a third of the population resides in administrative regions
along the coast that occupy less than 12% of the total territory (Blue Plan, 2012). The
concentration of population in these areas is further reinforced by ongoing population growth
and migrations (UNEP/MAP, 2012). Additionally, the Mediterranean Coast receives significant
tourist influx, with 247 million tourists visiting during the peak season, which exacerbates the
aforementioned challenges (UNWTO, 2017).
The issue of resource access arises, encompassing aspects such as land, water resources, and
fish stocks. The rapid depletion of these resources has led to the increased expansion of
aquaculture, which now contributes to nearly half of the current fisheries production.
Consequently, this intensifies the concentration of activities along coastal areas, giving rise to
conflicts related to land use (FAO, 2016).
The Mediterranean region is a complex ecosystem with a high biodiversity, which
results especially vulnerable to climate change and its impacts (Rahmstorf, 2012; Gualdi
et al., 2013). These impacts cause effects in a coastal environment on different levels:
bio-geophysical, socio-economical, infrastructures and economic activities. (Travers,
2010). Around 46 % of the Mediterranean coastline is characterized by low-lying
sedimentary coasts including beaches, dunes, reefs, lagoons, estuaries and deltas that are
more dynamic than rocky coasts because the balance between sea forcing and sediment
supply will determine whether the coastline advances (accretion), remains stable, or
retreats (erosion) (UNEP-MAP, 2012).
The major impacts of climate change in the Mediterranean coastal regions are produced
by the sea level rise and change in Storms frequencies and intensities. Thermal
expansion due to ocean temperature increases and mass input due to melting glaciers
and ice sheets are the primary components responsible for SLR (Petersen et al., 2007).
IPCC reported in 2007 that the Mediterranean is considered itself a “hot spot” for climate
change.
I.2.2. Algerian vulnerability (coastal zone)
The coastal zone of Algeria is facing significant socioeconomic and urban development that is
causing severe disturbances to the coastal environment caused by pressures arising from both
natural factors (such as seismic and tsunami risks, erosion/accretion, and saltwater intrusion)
Concepts of ICZM & Coastal Vulnerability
6
population. The coastal zone of the Mediterranean is particularly affected by demographic and
environmental pressures, as over a third of the population resides in administrative regions
along the coast that occupy less than 12% of the total territory (Blue Plan, 2012). The
concentration of population in these areas is further reinforced by ongoing population growth
and migrations (UNEP/MAP, 2012). Additionally, the Mediterranean Coast receives significant
tourist influx, with 247 million tourists visiting during the peak season, which exacerbates the
aforementioned challenges (UNWTO, 2017).
The issue of resource access arises, encompassing aspects such as land, water resources, and
fish stocks. The rapid depletion of these resources has led to the increased expansion of
aquaculture, which now contributes to nearly half of the current fisheries production.
Consequently, this intensifies the concentration of activities along coastal areas, giving rise to
conflicts related to land use (FAO, 2016).
The Mediterranean region is a complex ecosystem with a high biodiversity, which
results especially vulnerable to climate change and its impacts (Rahmstorf, 2012; Gualdi
et al., 2013). These impacts cause effects in a coastal environment on different levels:
bio-geophysical, socio-economical, infrastructures and economic activities. (Travers,
2010). Around 46 % of the Mediterranean coastline is characterized by low-lying
sedimentary coasts including beaches, dunes, reefs, lagoons, estuaries and deltas that are
more dynamic than rocky coasts because the balance between sea forcing and sediment
supply will determine whether the coastline advances (accretion), remains stable, or
retreats (erosion) (UNEP-MAP, 2012).
The major impacts of climate change in the Mediterranean coastal regions are produced
by the sea level rise and change in Storms frequencies and intensities. Thermal
expansion due to ocean temperature increases and mass input due to melting glaciers
and ice sheets are the primary components responsible for SLR (Petersen et al., 2007).
IPCC reported in 2007 that the Mediterranean is considered itself a “hot spot” for climate
change.
I.2.2. Algerian vulnerability (coastal zone)
The coastal zone of Algeria is facing significant socioeconomic and urban development that is
causing severe disturbances to the coastal environment caused by pressures arising from both
natural factors (such as seismic and tsunami risks, erosion/accretion, and saltwater intrusion)