URBAN BEACHES |
Beaches, natural treasures that link us to the sea, defy sea level rise due to climate change. Natural beaches can adapt, but urban beaches face unique challenges.
Urban beaches suffer from limitations in their adaptive capacity. Intensive urbanization and the lack of available space to expand inland reduce their options for responding to climate change. In places like the Balearic Islands, where natural wealth is mixed with the vitality of tourism, vulnerability to climate change impacts becomes even more pressing.
Recent research has shed light on the exposure and risks faced by sandy beaches in this new climate context. Medium- and long-term results point to loss and retreat of beaches and high exposure of buildings and infrastructure, implying a large loss of recreational value.
In this context, the LIFE AdaptCalaMillor project emerges as a pilot initiative to learn how climate change impacts urban beaches. Integrating the physical, environmental, socioeconomic and urban, it will address the possibility of turning urban coasts into resilient places.
A LIVING LABORATORY TO INVESTIGATE ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE ON URBAN BEACHESCala Millor Cala Millor is the ideal setting to address the challenge of climate change adaptation on the Mediterranean coast due to: |
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To be an urban beach that reflects human influence and experiences a regression towards its natural state of equilibrium. |
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To stand out as a recognized tourist destination in the Balearic Islands that depends on the recreational activities of sun and beach. |
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To have continuous scientific monitoring since 2000, which allows us to understand how the shape of the beach is changing. |
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To have environmental studies available due to the presence of Posidonia oceanica , meadows in the bay, enhancing the interest of the project's results. |
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Involve multiple stakeholders in coastal management. |
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Possessing an economic model centered on beach and sun tourism, on which the local community depends to a large extent. |
If you want to know more about the bay of Cala Millor and the fauna that this ecosystem shelters, we invite you to visit our website: visitcalamillor.com |