Coastal vulnerability assessments

A coastal vulnerability assessment is the result of a process of identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing (or ranking) the vulnerabilities in the coastal system. This involves social, economic and environmental aspects, but also the institutional context. Most relevant vulnerabilities in low-lying coastal zones are caused by natural hazards such as floods, drought, earthquakes and tropical cyclones.

Deltares recognizes a vulnerability assessment as an important ‘first step’ towards Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Development, stimulating awareness and (long term) sustainable development of coastal zones.

Deltares has applied the common methodology of the ‘seven steps’ vulnerability assessment in many coastal areas worldwide. This methodology identifies the populations and resources at risk, the costs and feasibility of possible responses to adverse impacts and the institutional capabilities of implementing those responses.

This approach is most useful as an initial, baseline analysis for country level studies where little is known about coastal vulnerability. Information from this methodology is generally used as a basis for further planning studies. For several steps in the method, models and GIS-tools can be applied to assess the impacts of sea level rise.