The ‘triple whammy’ of threats to coasts and the ‘environment-tourism paradox’ - the DAPSI(W)R(M) unifying framework for coastal management

The coastal environment is a complex system formed by interactions between ecological structure and functioning, physico-chemical processes and socio-economic systems. An increase in competing uses and users requires a holistic approach to coastal management which considers the environmental, economic and societal impacts of all activities. If managed sustainably, the marine environment will deliver a range of ecosystem services which lead to benefits for society. The problem-structuring DAPSI(W)R(M) (pronounced dap-see-worm ) framework is used to assess the causes, consequences and responses to change in a holistic way. D rivers of basic human needs require A ctivities which lead to P ressures, the mechanisms of S tate change on the natural system which then leads to I mpacts (on human W elfare). Those then require R esponses (as management M easures). The framework is used here to address the so-called ‘triple whammy’ affecting coasts worldwide – of increased urbanisation and industrialisation, increased use of physical and biological resources (such as energy, space, fishes, etc) and a decreased resistance and resilience to climate change (including sea-level rise, increased storminess, etc). In giving lessons for coastal management worldwide, this risk assessment and management framework is applied to the Balneário Camboriú – SC (Brazil) coastline which shows most of the features of coastlines worldwide and which is a major development area for Brazil. It particularly shows what may be called the ‘environment-tourism paradox’ whereby excessive coastal tourism eventually damages the desirable features initially responsible for the tourism and creates tensions between tourists and local inhabitants as seen in tourism hotspots worldwide. • The cause-consequence-response framework DAPSI(W)R(M) interrogates coastal demands. • The modern developed coastal area at Balneário Camboriú – SC (Brazil) was studied. • The study demonstrated the ‘triple whammy’ of major threats to coastal areas. • It also demonstrated the environment-tourism paradox. • Mass tourism often damages the coastal features initially responsible for tourism.