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When the available data and information point towards a potential problem
justifying action, the next stage is to decide which action to take and where
and when to take it. The answers to these questions depend on prevailing criteria
that guide local, national or regional policy preparation, as well as on existing
coastal-development and management plans that form the broader context for any
adaptation initiative. Important policy criteria that could influence adaptation
decisions include cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, cultural
compatibility and social acceptability. In addition, countries may choose to
take a precautionary approach when postponing action would involve substantial
risks, even though uncertainty may still be considerable (CEC, 1999).
Coastal planners will always face a certain degree of uncertainty, not only
because the future is by definition uncertain, but also because knowledge of
natural and socio-economic coastal processes is and always will remain incomplete.
Limits to predictability require planners to assess the environmental and societal
risks of climate change with and without adaptation (Carter et al., 1994). The
information thus obtained can help to determine the optimal adaptation strategy
(which action?) and timing of implementation (when?) (e.g., Chao
and Hobbs, 1997; Yohe and Neumann, 1997). There are a number of decision tools
available to assist in this process. Examples of these tools include cost-benefit
analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, risk-effectiveness analysis and multicriteria
analysis (Turner and Adger, 1996). The latter technique is particularly relevant
when great significance is attached to values that cannot be easily expressed
in monetary terms.
Geographical information systems (GIS) are an important technology for spatial
planning (where?), while they can also contribute to the other adaptation steps
described in this Section and indeed to all aspects of coastal management
(Box 15.1).
| Box 15.1 The role of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) in coastal adaptation and management |
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GIS combines computer mapping and visualisation techniques with spatial
databases and statistical, modelling and analytical tools. It offers powerful
methods to collect, manage, retrieve, integrate, manipulate, combine,
visualise and analyse spatial data and to derive information from these
data (Burrough and McDonnell, 1998; Longley et al., 1999; Wright and Bartlett,
1999). One simple, first-order application of GIS in coastal adaptation
would be overlaying scenarios of sea-level rise with elevation and coastal-development
data to define impact zones. More sophisticated applications may include
morphodynamic modelling (e.g., Capobianco et al., 1999). GIS technology
is evolving rapidly and is increasingly used for sophisticated modelling.
Hence, GIS can provide excellent support to coastal managers for making
decisions about adaptation.
The rapid ongoing developments of all aspects of GIS may remove some of these concerns. There is no doubt that GIS presents great potential for societies wishing to anticipate and understand the consequences of climate change and develop adaptation strategies to cope with the potential impacts. |
The modelling of potential futures based on plausible scenarios is particularly
pertinent for the planning and design of adaptation technologies when relevant
impacts are quantified, alternative adaptation options are evaluated and one
course of action is selected. Modelling capabilities are increasing rapidly,
leading, for example, to better morphodynamic models (De Vriend et al., 1993;
Stive and De Vriend, 1995), dynamic biogeophysical models (e.g., Capobianco
et al., 1999) and integrated models (e.g., Engelen et al., 1993). The rapid
developments in information technology are facilitating the transfer of these
tools. However, the limitations inherent in all models (i.e., they are representations
of a part of reality for a specific purpose) must not be overlooked. Human expertise
remains essential for the intelligent use of models.
The quality and effectiveness of the planning and design process is affected
by the context in which the decision is made. Coastal management in many countries
used to be top-down by nature, but as public interest and involvement in coastal
issues has grown, so has resistance to top-down decision-making (e.g., Taiepa
et al., 1997). The successful implementation of many coastal policies, including
adaptation to climate change, is now increasingly dependent on public acceptance
at the community level (King, 1999). Hence, in addition to informing the public
to raise their awareness of the issues at stake (Section 15.3.1),
it is also important to involve them throughout the planning process to inform
decision makers (CEC, 1999). Gaining public acceptance, for example by two-way
interaction and partnerships, is an important prerequisite for finding and transferring
appropriate adaptation technologies. Furthermore, local expertise will be required
for technology implementation, application, maintenance and enforcement.
In some settings, however, public involvement can be difficult to accomplish.
In situations where there is little truly private land, coastal inhabitants
may have little long-term stake and therefore interest in the land they occupy
(e.g., in parts of Tonga; Nunn and Waddell, 1992). Moreover, governments may
have neither the resources to address country-wide coastal management (particularly
in archipelagic nations) nor, compared to long-resident inhabitants, the local
knowledge or experience that are essential for effective management (e.g., in
parts of Fiji; Nunn et al., 1994a).
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