Many Catalan beaches are losing their
sand. Recent storms have starkly revealed this problem and the long term
solution is a complex one.
This study investigates the coastal processes, management and issues focusing
on the threat to the Sitges beaches.
Evidence for longshore movements and dominant wave directions can be gained
through a study of pebble long axes and alignments. Hypotheses can then be
applied to a study of the sand beach profiles.
Comparisons of shingle and sand beach
profiles.
Evaluation of the success of the current coastal management schemes.
This case study forms the focus of a recent Eurosion
report on coastal erosion and management.
This fieldwork assesses the beneficial economic impacts of the Muntanyans
planning development against the environmental costs and examines the views of
stakeholders and their conflicting needs.
Field study methodology includes the use of conflict matrices, cost-benefit
and values analysis and environmental impact assessments.
Planning permission has been given for the construction of 550 homes, parks and
facilities on the edge of coastal marshland and dunes at Els Muntanyans in
Torredembarra. The development is located at the mouth of the Gibert torrent and
covers the biological corridor that connects the adjacent beach and Protected
Natural Area of Interest (PEIN), with the protected rural interior. The beach is
the only large remaining natural beach between the Llobregat Delta to the south
of Barcelona and the Ebro Delta.
This fieldwork assesses the beneficial economic impacts of the Platja Llarga
planning development against the environmental costs and examines the views of
stakeholders and their conflicting needs. Field study methodology includes the
use of conflict matrices, cost-benefit and values analysis and environmental
impact assessments.
Platja Llarga was a large area of coastal wetland and dunes, forming part of the
delta of the River Foix. Today, although badly damaged, it remains one of the
last undeveloped sites along the Catalan coast. Platja
Llarga
Ebro
Delta: Mediterranean wetland issues and management
Travel time: 1¼ hours
Dunes
Rice paddy
Mediterranean wetland issues and management.
This study includes threats caused by increased
urbanisation, tourist developments, aqua culture, river management and the National
Hydrological Plan.
Primary data collection includes environmental impact
assessments. The Visitors' Centre provides an audio-visual presentation upon
arrival.
A boat excursion to the delta mouth forms one of the
highlights of the day.
The impact of human activity, the variations in biodiversity between managed and
unmanaged dunes, and the success of dune management schemes. Contrasts may be
drawn with the protected sand dunes at the nearby Llobregat Delta Nature
Reserve.
This fieldwork investigates the threats to fragile sand dune ecosystems along
the coastline to the southwest of Barcelona. The construction of the Gavą
coastal walkway aims to protect the dune ecosystem mainly by reducing extensive
trampling.
These field studies are supported with secondary data. Each
study takes a full day, with the two coastal conflict studies (Els Muntanyans
and Platja Llarga) combined.
