Pan-European Coastal Vulnerability: developing a new EMODnet Geology data product for coastal behaviour

Introduction
The identification and communication of potential risks faced by coastal-zone populations is becoming increasingly important. It strengthens society’s resilience and enables communities to better handle coastal hazards. This so-called coastal vulnerability has been assessed, quantified and mapped using a wide variety of approaches, focussing on hazard, risk and resilience. Many studies place emphasis on physical parameters such as geology and topography, and on marine factors such as wave energy and storm frequency. Others also incorporate socio-economic factors such as population, cultural heritage, presence of crucial infrastructure, land use and conservation status.

Objective and Methods
Our pan-European assessment of coastal vulnerability adds a new layer of information to the existing EMODnet Geology product suite on shoreline change. Using the most complete inventory to date of case studies on coastal vulnerability in scientific journals, books and governmental reports, we have developed a database capturing various vulnerability aspects across Europe and in other countries around the world. By geo-locating the maps from these studies and developing a common legend, we were able to create a harmonised map indicating lower, intermediate and higher levels of vulnerability at a pan-European scale. Our research indicates good yet incomplete coverage by existing studies. It highlights the need to use data from existing EMODnet products such as shoreline migration, geology and bathymetry in developing a basic coastal vulnerability index that can be validated against existing studies and used to fill the gaps.

Results
The resulting applied data product will help raise awareness in the general public and facilitate the work of coastal policy makers, planners and practitioners.