Coasts worldwide face a great variety of environmental impacts as well as increased anthropogenic pressures of coastal zone urbanization and rapid population growth. Over the last decade coastal erosion has emerged as a widespread problem that causes shoreline retreat and irreversible land losses. The attempts of managers and other stake holders to cope with erosion using different types of hard engineering methods may often aggravate this problem, damaging natural landscape and coastal ecosystems in unexpected and unpredicted ways.

The session gives priority to the subjects of coastal geomorphology: evolution of coastal landforms, coastline alterations and various associated processes in the coastal zone, e.g. waves and sediment transport, which shape coastal features and cause morphological changes. Contributions to this session will focus on the mechanisms responsible for coastal erosion and shoreline behaviour (advance or retreat) and will address the many natural and anthropogenic factors involved. The topics may include work on predictions of shoreline change and discussions on the effects of human activities and their continuing contribution to coastal changes. Studies related to the most crucial coastal zone issues with emphasis on ICZM aspects are also welcome: impacts of global climate changes, associated with severe storms, sea level rise and flooding, low-lying coastal territories, progress of coastal erosion and degradation of sandy beaches.

Confirmed solicited speaker:
Prof. Enzo Pranzini, University of Florence (Italy)
Title: Converting old shore protection structures into softer defence