1I. Coastal Mnn~$ement and Coastal Defense
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Protection
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This strategy involves defensive measures and other actions to protect areas
against inundation, tidal flooding, effects of waves on infrastructure, shore
erosion, salinity intrusion and the loss of natural resources 5. The measures may
be drawn from an array of "hard" and "soft" structural solutions 6. They can be
applied alone or in combination, depending on the specific conditions of the site.
There is no single or generic "best solution", as each situation must be evaluated
and treated on its particular merits. However, there are some basic steps in the
selection of measures likely to produce the highest economic returns. First, those
charged with planning, design or management responsibilities in the coastal
zones should be cognisant of the potential for future sea-level rise. Moreover,
proposed plans should leave options open for the most appropriate future
response. For example, many protection structures can be planned and designed
with features that allow for future incremental additions which, if needed, could
accommodate increased water levels and wave action. This can often be done
without significant additional costs to the initial investment.
Yet, the capital costs associated with the "hard" set of options may prove a barrier
to consideration of this option by developing countries and small island states.