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Small island developing states (SIDS) are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Enhancing their resilience is crucial and can inspire innovative approaches that benefit coastal communities globally. Here we explore solutions that mitigate storm impacts, preserve freshwater resources and protect infrastructure.
Nearly 40% of the global population resides within 100 km of coastlines, facing risks from rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events. Low-lying areas and islands are particularly affected – a single hurricane can devastate an island’s economy, exceeding its annual GDP, as noted by the World Bank. Caribbean nations, according to an IMF study, are up to seven times more prone to natural disasters compared to larger countries.
What can coastal regions do to bolster their resilience? Among the most effective approaches are the restoration and safeguarding of coastal ecosystems. These ecosystems provide essential services that can be categorized into three primary functions:
Coastal ecosystems serve as natural barriers, shielding communities from flooding and sea-level rise. Mangroves, for instance, can reduce wave energy by up to 66%. Seagrass beds reduce wave energy by up to 85% and coral reefs by as much as 97%. The absence of coral reefs could double flood-related damages and triple costs from frequent storms.
Besides acting as natural breakwaters, coral reefs support fish habitats, aiding food security and livelihoods. Coastal wetlands can also mitigate erosion risks, help purify freshwater and prevent saltwater intrusion that leads to soil degradation.
Coastal ecosystems are vital for both climate adaptation and mitigation. Wetlands, salt marshes, mangroves and seagrasses play a key role in climate regulation by harbouring significant carbon stocks in their substrates. They sequester more carbon than terrestrial forests of the same size.
The Caribbean is one of the most vulnerable parts of the world when it comes to climate impacts, but the region is also characterized by exceptional biodiversity, for example housing 10% of the world’s coral coverage. Protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems is of critical importance for sustainability, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation efforts. It is therefore alarming that these coastal ecosystems are disappearing at a rapid rate in many locations.
SEI’s research explores the role of coastal and island ecosystems and their connection between ocean and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. For example, the Innovacuba project, a collaboration between SEI and Cuban agencies, has been exploring climate adaptation innovations in Cuba for four years. Additionally, SEI is partnering with eight countries in the Resilient Coasts – Caribbean Sea project to study locally led climate adaptation through nature-based solutions. The SEI Initiative on Gridless Solutions is enhancing understanding of how small-scale, decentralized and modular approaches can bolster societial resilience and preparedness for unforeseen challenges. Many of these solutions, like marine multiuse platforms, are particularly well-suited for vulnerable coastal and island communities.
Small islands and coastal communities are actively exploring new approaches to address their special circumstances and vulnerabilities in a changing climate. They are spaces of innovation and nature-based solutions that should inspire communities across the world.
Karina Barquet, SEI Water, Coasts and Ocean Team Lead
These projects emphasize the potential of adaptation strategies, from tapping into the emerging blue bioeconomy, enhancing local livelihoods to fostering regional partnerships and developing sustainable marine infrastructures.
Initiative / The Gridless Solutions Initiative explores alternative technologies for the delivery of critical services like energy, sanitation and freshwater.
Project / The Resilient Coasts Caribbean Sea project will develop Living Labs for coastal ecosystem management using nature-based solutions.
Feature / The new project seeks to enhance climate resilience by restoring coastal ecosystems.
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