Integrated management methods: Monitoring environmental change in coastal dune ecosystems

Objective

The four main objectives are:
1. To develop an integrated management checklist system for selected European dune systems.
2. To test new remote-sensing-image processing systems.
3. To examine how human activity affects vegetation and vulnerability. 4. To assess the effectiveness of dune management strategies.

Effective decision making depends upon the availability of quality information. Procedures involved in assessing
dune vulnerability and protection require monitoring of sporadic processes and information must be collected
from many discipline sources. In particular, a significant challenge to strategic management is recognition of
subtle discontinuities which could undermine the long term stability of the dune system. These changes may
be irregular and/or non linear requiring managers to be aware of existing parameters, patterns and emerging
discontinuities. A range of components within the system should be measured on a systematic, temporal and
spatial basis. An environmental checklist is a useful management technique which systematises information,
so that strategic objectives can be made operational and achievable. problems can be identified and solved with
this methodology particularly if it is incorporated into a W problem solving model. The checklist procedure
proposed has been developed for a range of north-west and south European dune systems. Whereas a universal
checklist applicable to all systems is utopian in aim, intra- and extra-regional comparisons can be undertaken
with only minor modifications of some components. Parameters covering site and dune morphology; beach
condition; surface character of the seaward 200m of the dunes; pressure of use and recent protection measures
are the basis for calculating vulnerability and protection indices. The balance between these indices can be
determined, analyzed and form the foundation for future informed management decisions. High resolution
videography and aerial digital photography can effectively gather information and this can be impacted and
applied to dune managers and form an effective data base.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › ecology › ecosystems

Programme(s)

• FP4-ENV 2C - Specific programme of research and technological development in the field of environment and climate, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 01020201 - The functioning of ecosystems

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

University of Glamorgan

Address

Llantwit Road
CF37 1DL Pontypridd
United Kingdom

Participants (4)

NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS

Greece

Address

5,heroon Polytechniou 5
15780 Athens

UNIVERSIDAD DE SEVILLA

Spain

Address

1095,avda. Reina Mercedes, 6
41080 Sevilla

UNIVERSIDADE DO ALGARVE

Portugal

Address

322,campus De Gambelas
8000 Faro

Université de Bretagne Occidentale

France

Address

3 Rue Des Archives
29269 Brest