Urbanisation, coastal development and vulnerability, and catchments

Abstract

The growth of urban areas that form coastal cities, especially in the WIO, places an increasing demand on natural coastal extractive and non-extractive resources. The use and conversion of coastal land and catchments is considered a permanent effect of growth and development. Urbanisation has direct effects on biodiversity and the state of the coastal environment. The location of coastal urbanisation inherently translates to socio-economic vulnerability. Coastal cities of the WIO region are desirable places to live and work which results in ongoing and increasing urbanisation. The populations of the urban areas of the region are also vulnerable to natural disasters associated with this location in the coastal zone.