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Estimation of the Coastal Vulnerability Index Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making: The Coastal Social–Ecological System of Rachgoun, Western Algeria

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  • Rabia Yahia Meddah

    (Research Laboratory of Geographical Space and Spatial Planning, Department of Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences and the Universe, University of Oran 2 Mohamed Ben Ahmed, B.P1 1524 El-M’Naouar, Oran 31000, Algeria)

  • Tarik Ghodbani

    (Research Laboratory of Geographical Space and Spatial Planning, Department of Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences and the Universe, University of Oran 2 Mohamed Ben Ahmed, B.P1 1524 El-M’Naouar, Oran 31000, Algeria)

  • Rachida Senouci

    (Research Laboratory of Geographical Space and Spatial Planning, Department of Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences and the Universe, University of Oran 2 Mohamed Ben Ahmed, B.P1 1524 El-M’Naouar, Oran 31000, Algeria
    Department of Marine Sciences and Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, University of Mostaganem, BP 227, National Road N° 11, Kharrouba, Mostaganem 27000, Algeria)

  • Walid Rabehi

    (Centre des Techniques Spatiales, Algerian Space Agency, 01 Avenue de la Palestine, BP 13, Oran 31200, Algeria)

  • Lia Duarte

    (Department of Geosciences, Environment and Land Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169007 Porto, Portugal
    Institute of Earth Sciences (ICT)-Porto Pole, University of Porto, 4169007 Porto, Portugal)

  • Ana Cláudia Teodoro

    (Department of Geosciences, Environment and Land Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169007 Porto, Portugal
    Institute of Earth Sciences (ICT)-Porto Pole, University of Porto, 4169007 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

This research deals with spatial vulnerability in the coastal area of Rachgoun (Algeria), on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Over the past two decades, the coastal area of Rachgoun has been suffering from a large amount of pressure due to accelerated socioeconomic development, urbanization, tourism, fishing, and agriculture. The main objective of this study is to visualize the coastal vulnerability of Rachgoun using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). A multidisciplinary approach that integrates geological, physical, and socioeconomic vulnerability was adopted. The selected parameters for the study include lithology, elevation, slope, shoreline change, significant wave height, population density, tourist density, land use/land cover (LULC), road network density, proximity to coast, distance from river, people’s awareness, and designated conservation areas and cultural heritage. Data from AlSat-2 Satellite imagery, aerial photography, topographic maps, and field surveys were processed. Spatial modeling was conducted through the MCDM approach and geographic information systems (GIS) to develop two sub-indices: the natural vulnerability index (CVI N ) and the socioeconomic vulnerability index (CVI S ). The combination of the two sub-indices allowed us to deduce the integrated coastal vulnerability index (ICVI). The outcomes present a coastal vulnerability map with a spatial resolution of 10 m of the identified problematic area. This map can guide decision-makers in implementing an effective integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Rabia Yahia Meddah & Tarik Ghodbani & Rachida Senouci & Walid Rabehi & Lia Duarte & Ana Cláudia Teodoro, 2023. "Estimation of the Coastal Vulnerability Index Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making: The Coastal Social–Ecological System of Rachgoun, Western Algeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-28, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:17:p:12838-:d:1224538
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