title: Strengthening coastal hazards assessment in Small Island Developing States
Creators: name: Faivre, Gaelle S
Publisher: name: Griffith University
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: coastal hazards
subject: coral reef lagoon
subject: Vanuatu

description: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are positioned among the most vulnerable countries globally, facing the constant threat of natural disasters and the pervasive impacts of climate change. Effectively managing these risks necessitates the selection of well-suited adaptation strategies grounded in precise assessments of coastal hazards at specific locations. However, significant challenges endure in comprehending local coastal risks due to the constraints of global models and the shortage of regionally customised data, particularly in most developing nations, including SIDS like Vanuatu. Many global models used for coastal hazard assessments often lack the necessary level of detail and accuracy required for SIDS since they are primarily designed for larger and better-documented regions. In Small Island Developing States (SIDS), a limited understanding of coastal processes and the scarcity of historical data can often result in maladaptive responses to coastal hazards. Additionally, SIDS are witnessing rapid urbanisation and population growth, which heightens their exposure and vulnerability to coastal threats. Effectively managing this urban expansion and development in a way that enhances hazard resilience presents a formidable challenge. Population growth and the establishment of tourist resorts frequently lead to the removal of natural coastal protectors, such as mangroves, which play a pivotal role in mitigating coastal inundation, preventing erosion, and improving water quality. This can also lead to increased marine pollution, wastewater discharge, and land degradation, necessitating the implementation of more robust sanitation systems. Public awareness and education on coastal hazards, climate change, and adaptation measures are often lacking, which can hinder community preparedness and resilience. In this context, the primary aim of this research is to enhance coastal hazards assessment methodologies in SIDS, particularly focusing on regions in the South Pacific where data availability is limited in both developed and less developed areas. This research is centred on the Vanuatu archipelago, chosen for its pronounced susceptibility and vulnerability to natural hazards. Vanuatu is considered one of the world's most 'at-risk' countries. Vanuatu also exhibits a wide spectrum of development levels, ranging from relatively well-developed regions to severely underdeveloped areas. Three sequential assessments are carried out in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, encompassing Mele Bay and Erakor lagoon: 1- A comprehensive first-pass assessment with limited data, leveraging available global data to facilitate the initial evaluation. 2- A second assessment designed to establish an effective monitoring system in data-limited Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and enhance data availability within the study area. This will enable the accurate identification and assessment of potential risks. 3- A third-pass assessment utilising data monitoring techniques to ascertain the primary risks in the targeted area. Numerical modelling is employed to refine hazard assessment and gain deeper insights into the identified risks. The main concern for the local government in this area was the water quality of Mele Bay, and this thesis highlights the same water quality issue in Erakor lagoon system.