24
2
Accommodation
R.H.C. Chartier and Chr. P. De Meyer
The strategy of accommodation, like that of retreat, requires advanced planning
and acceptance that some coastal zone values could be lost. Many coastal
structures, particularly residential and small commercial buildings, could be
elevated on pilings for protection from floods. To counter surging water and high
Winds, building codes could specify minimum floor elevations and piling depths,
as well as strnctural bracing. Drainage could be modified. Storm warning and
preparedness plans could be instituted to protect the affected population from
extreme events. Where salt water damages agricultural lands and traditional
crops, salt tolerant crops may be a feasible alternative. Fundamental changes in
land-use may be desirable, such as the conversion of some agricultural lands to
aquacultural uses. So may cattle raising be considered.
Human activities that destroy the natural protection values of coastal resources
can be forbidden. Perhaps the most important controls would be to prohibit filling
wetlands, danuning rivers, mining coral and beach sands and cutting mangroves.
Rebuilding of wetlands has been undertaken in some countries 22. Undeveloped
land with sufficient elevation and slope can be set aside to accommodate natural
re-establishment of wetlands and mangroves. Within deltaic areas, natural
processes can be maintained by diverting water and sediment. In response to
salinity intrusion into groundwater aquifers, management controls can be
implemented to regulate pumping and withdrawal practices.
Requiring private insurance coverage in ~adnerable areas is an important method
to compensate injuries and damages caused by natural disasters. It forces people
to coffsider whether risks are worth taking and provides the necessary funds to
repair damages and compensate innocent victims.
2
Accommodation
R.H.C. Chartier and Chr. P. De Meyer
The strategy of accommodation, like that of retreat, requires advanced planning
and acceptance that some coastal zone values could be lost. Many coastal
structures, particularly residential and small commercial buildings, could be
elevated on pilings for protection from floods. To counter surging water and high
Winds, building codes could specify minimum floor elevations and piling depths,
as well as strnctural bracing. Drainage could be modified. Storm warning and
preparedness plans could be instituted to protect the affected population from
extreme events. Where salt water damages agricultural lands and traditional
crops, salt tolerant crops may be a feasible alternative. Fundamental changes in
land-use may be desirable, such as the conversion of some agricultural lands to
aquacultural uses. So may cattle raising be considered.
Human activities that destroy the natural protection values of coastal resources
can be forbidden. Perhaps the most important controls would be to prohibit filling
wetlands, danuning rivers, mining coral and beach sands and cutting mangroves.
Rebuilding of wetlands has been undertaken in some countries 22. Undeveloped
land with sufficient elevation and slope can be set aside to accommodate natural
re-establishment of wetlands and mangroves. Within deltaic areas, natural
processes can be maintained by diverting water and sediment. In response to
salinity intrusion into groundwater aquifers, management controls can be
implemented to regulate pumping and withdrawal practices.
Requiring private insurance coverage in ~adnerable areas is an important method
to compensate injuries and damages caused by natural disasters. It forces people
to coffsider whether risks are worth taking and provides the necessary funds to
repair damages and compensate innocent victims.