An integrated coastal vulnerability index for sustainable development of coastal ecosystems: a case study of Issyk-Kul lake

In this paper, the coastal vulnerability of Lake Issyk-Kul has been defined through the Integrated Coastal Vulnerability Index (ICVI) using the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) and the Socio-Economic Vulnerability Index (SVI). Lake Issyk-Kul is an important object of this kind of research due to the presence of both pristine, little modified by man, and significantly transformed coastlines allows to evaluate the different degrees of vulnerability of coastal ecosystems. The results of the study emphasize the importance of reassessing the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems depending on the specific natural, climatic, and socio-economic conditions of each area using the ICVI index. The Integrated Coastal Vulnerability Index provides an integrated assessment and state of coastal ecosystems and can be used to assess such fragile ecosystems that are affected by the entire watershed. The identification of vulnerability using this index allows for proactive planning adapted by the relevant authorities and management, which can be scaled up to increase the resilience of coastal zones to changing conditions.