The Spanish Institute of Environmental Hydraulics in Cantabria (IHCantabria) is carrying out a project to mitigate and provide solutions to beach erosion in the Dominican Republic, which they lose about 10 meters of sand a year in some areas, what does this mean for a tourist country.
IHCantabria researcher Mauricio González is responsible for this “feasibility study for integrated coastal management” commissioned by the Caribbean Ministries of Tourism and Environment, with the financial support of the Inter-American Development Bank, reports the Spanish University of Cantabria. a declaration.
Work began seven months ago and will continue until next year with a single goal: “Stop the process of strong erosion affecting the beaches, the economic engine of this country, to have them in good condition,” said Gonzalez.
In addition, the Dominican government is committed to the sustainable development of this sun and beach tourism, raising the challenge of seeking environmentally friendly solutions with its ecosystems.
The diagnosis made by scientists places the origin of the problem both in the effects of the climate crisis and in anthropogenic actions.
“In recent years, hurricanes and storms have increased in frequency and intensity, and the action of climate change and human beings have degenerated reef and mangrove areas, elements that protect against these hurricanes as they dissipate the energy that reaches the beaches,” said Mauricio González.
This has led, according to the researcher, that in ten years, there are areas where they have retreated in the order of 100 meters, “the equivalent of an apple.
The researchers began by analyzing the problem with the different beaches.
According to González, several locations are being studied, although dDue to the covid-19 pandemic, work must be carried out in Cantabria.
This fieldwork includes the collection of information on waves, currents, tides and coastal floods, which is introduced into numerical models to represent the different dynamics of erosion. “We also analyze the current situation in climate change scenarios between the ages of 50 and 100,” the researcher explained.
In a second phase, the researchers will organize participatory workshops with local actors “who can help, with their perception of the problem, to provide a medium and long-term solution.”
All this, according to Mauricio González, will enrich the proposals for mitigation measures to control this erosion and “that we can have beaches compatible with tourism”, recovering square meters of great value for the future of the American country.