Monitoring Coastal Vulnerability using Physical and Anthropic Parameters: The Case Study of Lahou Kpanda and Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire (Gulf of Guinea)

Tano, A.R..; Dangui, P.N.; Bouo Bella, F-X, Aman, A., and Hauhouot, C., 2024. Monitoring coastal vulnerability using physical and anthropic parameters: The case study of Lahou Kpanda and Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire (Gulf of Guinea). 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. 310-314. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. The coastal area of Lahou Kpanda and Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire (Gulf of Guinea) are vulnerable to physical and anthropogenic forcing. The Integrated Coastal Vulnerability Index (ICVI), combining the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) and the Socio-Economic Vulnerability Index (SVI), is used to assess the spatial and temporal dynamics of vulnerability in Lahou Kpanda and Grand Bassam. The results show that the integrated vulnerability index for Grand Bassam is higher than that for Lahou Kpanda. This index increases faster in Grand Bassam than in Lahou Kpanda. That signifies that the Grand Bassam coastline is more exposed to physical forcing and anthropogenic pressure than Lahou Kpanda. The increasing trend in vulnerability is due to rising wave energy, accelerating sea level and the increasing of population density. An assessment of the area's vulnerability for the 2040 and 2050 timeframes indicates an increase in vulnerability. To reduce this vulnerability, adaptation measures such as covering the coastline with mangroves, installing wave power plants, beach nourishment and, in the extreme cases, relocating coastal population should be considered by coastal zone managers and users. This approach could be used to monitor the vulnerability of West African coastline to physical and anthropic forcing.