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R.H.C. Charlier and Chr. P. DeMeyer
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Protection
An important implication of selecting an option to protect against sea level-rise is
liability for the failure of public protection structures. Structures to protect
against sea level rise enable commercial, agricultural and residential activities to
continue in protected areas, Therefore, people and economic resources will be
attracted to and concentrate in areas so protected. Should the structure fail,
significant loss of life and property could result. Each type of structure is different
and each requires some type of maintenance in order to perform as designed.
Where the entity responsible for maintenance is different from the entity which
designed and/or constructed the structure, it may be difficult to assess any
liability for damage resulting from a failure of the structure. Some public or
private entity within each nation, therefore, must have responsibility for
maintenance of the physical integrity of these structures.