Coastal Risk Assessment and Management-Related Issues of Sand Spits on the Southern Coast of Senegal

Faye, Y.; Ba, K.; Sedrati, M.; Diouf, I., and Diouf, M.B., 2024. Coastal risk assessment and management-related issues of sand spits on the southern coast of Senegal. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 1093–1098. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. This study presents an assessment of the vulnerability of the Mbodiène-Joal coastal zone located along the Petite Côte in Senegal. The assessment integrates various indicators, including coastal characteristics (geomorphology, historical shoreline changes, coastal elevation, slope, and bathymetry), oceanographic factors (sea-level rise, mean tidal range, significant wave height), and socio-economic aspects (coastal population density and land use). Using this comprehensive approach, a coastal vulnerability index (CVI) for both erosion and flooding was established and mapped from Pointe Sarène (Mbodiène) to Pointe Finio (Joal). The results reveal that within the 24 kilometers of coastline studied, 17% (4 km) and 12.5% (3 km) respectively exhibit high to very high vulnerability indices. However, 33% (7 km) of the coastal area falls within the spectrum of moderate vulnerability, while 25% (5 km) and 12.5% (3 km) are classified as having low to very low vulnerability. This study demonstrates the potential of coastal vulnerability maps as effective decision support tools for identifying exposed coastal zones. Such maps are instrumental in preparing for and responding to the threats posed by sea-level rise, contributing to national climate action initiatives, disaster risk reduction efforts, and the pursuit of sustainable development goals.