Measures to mitigate coastal erosion in Seychelles

Measures to mitigate coastal erosion in Seychelles

18-April-2016






A Small Island Developing State, Seychelles has not been sparred like the majority of other island states around the world from the harmful effects of coastal erosion.

The coastal zones remain one of the most vulnerable areas with regards to the ever-changing climatic conditions and shocks. With about 85% of the current population living within the vicinity of the coastal areas, there is increasing pressure on the coastlines to cater for economical and recreational needs of humans, but also for the coast to adapt and become resilient to the ever-increasing frequency and intensity of natural hazards.

The 2004 tsunami that struck certain coastal areas around Seychelles brought to the forefront the need to manage, protect, and minimise the vulnerability of our coastlines from these natural hazards like extreme storm-surges originating from abnormal spring tides, and tsunamis which accelerate the recession of coastlines through erosion. With fishing and tourism the pillars of our economy, it is vital therefore that measures are put in place to protect the beaches not only from erosion but also to secure the livelihoods of the fisherman and tourism establishments that depend on the coasts for their survival.

Acknowledging that climate change is one of the main reasons why our coastlines are becoming more and more vulnerable to unexpected anthropogenic and natural shocks, the climate adaptation & management section of the Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate Change (MEECC) has found it mandatory to implement on the ground approaches to deal with coastal erosion through the use of soft and hard engineering methods that not only slow down erosion effects contributing to coastal recession, but also secure the coastlines from further environmental degradation. Charged with the management, protection and conservation of all coastal zones in Seychelles, the coastal zone unit is therefore mandated to implement measures that will not only safeguard our beaches, but also enhance their adaptation and resilience to factors that undermine their longevity and aesthetic values.

With rock armoring and timber pilings the weapons of choice to combat coastal erosion, it is however important to assess which methods are suitable for each individual affected beach as some methods may do more harm than good in the long term. Assessments of coastal protection and rehabilitation works depend largely on the severity of the coastal erosion as well as cost implications.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=249128

Construction of sea protection wall at Consolation meets standards

22-April-2016
Construction of the sea protection wall at Consolation meets standards
The construction of a sea protection wall on parcel PR6163 at Consolation on Praslin meets all the existing national development and environment legislation, standards and guidelines.
The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, and the Planning Authority said this in a communiqué released yesterday following comments and queries from the public about the construction.
The communiqué adds that the property in question is a small one with a total surface area of 608m² and a total beach front of about 25 linear metres. The proposed and approved sea protection wall, which is to be built at an angle along the high water mark, is to be 27m long.
Approval was granted in August 2014 after the owner and developer, a Seychellois at the time, was able to meet all the necessary conditions for a small private residential development of 220m². Approval was issued for the construction of a house and a sea protection wall and picket fence on the parcel. The wall was to be built behind the green line or high water mark i.e. beyond the beach to protect the property from beach erosion that has been affecting the coastline.
Both properties on either side of parcel PR6163 are protected by sea protection walls. This precedence contributed to the approval decision at the time.
A 2m wide public access was requested by vetting authorities and this has been set between PR6163 and the neighbouring property to ease and guarantee public access to the beach.
The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change adds that it has no information of turtles nesting on that particular site.
The authorities are monitoring the construction of the sea protection wall to ensure the developer adheres to the planning authority and environment conditions.
Under the Constitution of Seychelles everyone is guaranteed the right to enjoy his/her property. As long as the owner/developer meets the established national legislation, standards and guidelines the authorities cannot hinder his/her development, adds the communiqué.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=249173