COASTAL VULNERABILITY INDEX MAP FOR MAURITIUS
L Aworer, H. Runghen, SDDV Rughooputh, University of Mauritius
Leena24@mail.com
Beach erosion is a worldwide phenomenon, which is influenced by natural, physical and
morphological processes (Bird, 1996). A study estimated that three fourth of the world’s
coastlines are retreating at a rate of 10cm or more every year, while one third are retreating at a
rate of more than one metre per year. (Ibe, 1988).
The Mauritian coastal zone, which stretches
over a distance of about 322 km, is also experiencing erosion (Baird, 2003). The coastline is
undergoing pronounced morphological changes as a result of natural causes and anthropogenic
activities. (MOE, 2005). The degradation of coastal zone is one of the major environmental
problems facing Mauritius with coastal erosion as the most acute and pressing one (NCC, 1998).
In 1989, a preliminary survey carried out showed that there has been erosion of 0.4 m at Flic en
Flac, 1m at Morne Brabant, 1.5m at the North East Coast of Ile aux Cerfs and 1.5m at St Geran
(Gopaul, 1990).
To address coastal degradation issues, a wide range of technologies for
remedial action and coastal protection have been adopted in Mauritius which are the hard
engineering structures and soft engineering. This research work concerns the development of a
coastal vulnerability index map for Mauritius as part of assessing and finding solutions for
coastal erosion problems. Several reports were studied for the development of a checklist to
assess the vulnerability of beaches to erosion in Mauritius and several indicators relevant to
coastal vulnerability assessment were considered (Cazes-Duvat, 2001), (Cazes Duvat, Delmas &
Troadec, 2002) and (Cambers, 1998). The indicators are beach profile, beach slope, state of
dune and dune vegetation, beach size, presence of erosion scarp, dead trees and exposed roots,
presence of seawalls or hard structures and presence of coral reefs.
For each of these
indicators, three level of vulnerability were established and ranked in decreasing order: (3, 2,
and 1), whereby 3 is high vulnerability, 2, medium vulnerability and 1 is low vulnerability. The
overall assessment of coastal vulnerability to erosion is the sum of the previously established
vulnerability levels. Index values between 9 – 12 equals to high vulnerability, index values
between 6- 9 equals to medium vulnerability, index values between 3- 6 equals low vulnerability
and finally index values between 0–3 equals very low vulnerability. On-site visits and on site
measurements were made using the coastal vulnerability checklist to gather information so as to
calculate the vulnerability index of the beaches in Mauritius. The data collected was used to
develop a coastal vulnerability index map for Mauritius. These maps are useful tool for coastal
development and management and assist political decision-makers in choosing appropriate sites
and proper techniques for coastal development.
References

Baird W.F and Associates (2003). Study on Coastal Erosion in Mauritius, in association
with Reef Watch Consultancy LTD, Mauritius and Dr Michael Risk. Report prepared for
the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Mauritius. Pp 5-103.

Bird E (1996) Beach Management. Geostudies. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester. Pp
19-24

Cambers G (1998) Coping with beach erosion. Coastal management sourcebooks 1.
Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands. Unesco
publishing. Pp 107-108

Cazes-Duvat (2001) A beach vulnerability index and its implementation in the islands of
Seychelles. Geomorphologie: relief, processus, environment, 2001, no 1, Laboratoire de
geographie de l’environment, Faculté des Lettres, Langues, Arts et Sciences Humaines,
Université de La Réunion pp 31-40

Cazes Duvat V,Delmas-Ferre M & Troadec R (2002) Manuel de suivi et de traitement de
l’erosion côtière, Pays de la Commission de L’Océan Indien.

Gopaul P (1990). A case study of coastline erosion and an assessment of beach stability
at Flic en Flac. Bsc (Hons) Course in Pure Science, School of Science, University of
Mauritius. Pp 2-40

Ibe, A.C, 1988. Coastline erosion in Nigeria. Ibadan University Press, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Pp 2-4.

MOE (2005). Mauritius Staking Out the Future.
Partnership for Sustainable
Development. Ministry of Environment and National Development Unit, Republic of
Mauritius. Pp 3-98.

NCC (1998). A Climate Change Action Plan. Prepared with assistance of the United
States Country Studies Program for Climate Change. National Climate Committee,
Republic of Mauritius. Pp 3 -46.
Presentation Title: Coastal Erosion Vulnerability index Map.
Category: Oral Presentation
Name: Aworer Leena (Ms)
Course: Mphil by Research
Email add: Leena24@mail.com
Mob No: 7638567.