A coastal vulnerability index and its application in Xiamen, China
Keywords:
ecological security, vulnerability assessment, coastal management, indicator system, coastal city, Xiamen cityAbstract
With the increasing problems of global change, ecological security has become a research focus in the world. Coastal areas that are exposed to both human impact and natural changes are vulnerable. The maintenance of coastal ecological security is a great challenge. Assessment of vulnerability is essential for identifying and recognizing the coastal ecological security status. However, there is a lack of criteria and standards for vulnerability assessment.
We proposed a methodological framework of vulnerability analysis and assessment and used Xiamen city as a case study. Surveys were undertaken to assess the states of Xiamen coastal environment and resources, and the issues associated with human activities. Stakeholders were interviewed about their attitudes regarding Xiamen environment and resources. Constraints of development and management were identified. The methodological framework was presented as a tool to help identify relative vulnerability in order to prioritize actions and assess the vulnerability implications of management and policy decisions.
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