Assessing Coastal Vulnerability along the Eastern Coastline of Crete: An Integrated Approach

Coastal zones in the Mediterranean are highly vulnerable due to ongoing sea-level rise, combined with the region's intense seismic and volcanic activity. Low-lying areas are particularly at risk, as their geomorphological evolution is strongly influenced by natural processes and anthropogenic interventions. Understanding and assessing these dynamic changes is critical for developing effective coastal management strategies to mitigate risks and promote sustainable development.

This study focuses on the eastern coastline of Crete and introduces an innovative approach to assessing coastal vulnerability using a modified Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) methodology. The framework integrates seven key factors: geomorphology, coastal slope, relative sea-level change, shoreline erosion and accretion rates, mean wave height, mean tidal range, and the wind regime of the area. Additionally, the study evaluates future vulnerability under three distinct scenarios—short-term, medium-term, and long-term timescales. By projecting the potential impacts of coastal erosion and sea-level rise, the approach provides a robust foundation for understanding and mitigating future challenges.

The proposed methodology is pioneering, incorporating new parameters to refine and enhance the traditional CVI framework. This innovation enables a deeper understanding of coastal vulnerability, allowing researchers and policymakers to identify and prioritize areas of greatest risk. By integrating geomorphological analysis with scenario-based projections, the approach delivers actionable insights for resilience planning and adaptation strategies. This research makes a significant contribution to the field of coastal vulnerability assessment by offering a replicable framework that can be applied across diverse Mediterranean coastal settings. Its findings underscore the urgency of addressing coastal challenges while highlighting the potential for methodological innovation to advance integrated coastal management.

This project, titled "Study of the Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Vulnerability in Eastern Crete," has received funding under the program "NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND INNOVATIVE ACTIONS 2022," Priority Axis 3: "RESEARCH AND APPLICATION," budget: €200,000, beneficiary: NCSR Demokritos, funding body:  Greece's Green Fund