Abstract
The Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) is the most used method to evaluate coastal
vulnerability to climate and / or not climate change, especially about the risks of
erosion and / or flooding (Gornitz., 1991, Ramieri et al., 2011). This method classifies
the coastal sections in terms of potential change. The results of this evaluation are
presented in maps that identify the level of risk by sector (Gutierrez et al., 2009) The
original CVI has undergone many adaptations as the study area and available data on
the various parameters that contribute to coastal vulnerability (Hammar-Klose et al,
2003;McLaughlin and Cooper 2010).
Recent versions of the CVI integrate socio-economic component (population,
infrastructure, heritage), an aspect neglected before (Abuodha and Woodroffe., 2006;
Mc Laughlin and Cooper 2010), other more recent studies, use vulnerability as a risk
factor and tend towards the calculation of the Coastal Risk Index (CRI) (Satta et al
2017). In this study, we adopt the approach of calculating the CVI and the CRI
concerning coastal erosion and submersion according to IPPC's theory of risk in
Algerian context( Bou Ismail bay for this study) characterized by a lack of data
especially on coastal forcing. The results show that Bou Ismail bay is vulnerable and
exposed in its Eastern part. It is subject to the hazards of erosion and submersion. The
degree of risk is therefore high in nearly 70% of the bay, these results will guide the
development of adequate coastal and disaster management plans.