Participatory and multi-level governance process to design a transformational climate change adaptation project at Cala Millor beach from an integrated and multidisciplinary science-based approach

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Beaches are among the ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change-induced mean sea level rise (MSLR), which is causing shoreline erosion and coastal flooding. Under natural conditions, beaches can adapt by retreating, provided enough landward space and sediment supply are available. However, urban beaches have a limited adaptation capacity because of a lack of such space. The Balearic Islands (Spain), due to their insular nature and the importance of tourism, are especially vulnerable to climate change. Recent studies have shown that in the mid- to long-term the loss and retreat of beaches and the density of buildings and infrastructures implies a great loss of recreational value. Local adaptation projects for urban beaches need science-based long-term studies and high-resolution data to develop extreme weather event projections. Besides, the alternatives for long-term adaptation imply transformational changes in the urban ecosystem that require a political and social debate and a broad social consensus. Cala Millor is a seaside tourist resort in Mallorca whose population almost triples in the summer season. Urbanisation has affected the capacity of the beach to recover from erosion, and this situation is a major concern for local stakeholders and the tourism sector who are currently looking for solutions in collaboration with scientists and the regional government.

OBJECTIVES

LIFE AdaptCalaMillor aims to address two main issues:

1. The adaptation to climate change of the urban beach of Cala Millor, mainly regarding the erosion problems of its shoreline and the loss of beach environmental services, critical for the economy of this tourist destination. To this end, LIFE AdaptCalaMillor will build a long-term climate change adaptation strategy in the urban beach of Cala Millor by proposing a collection of integrated science-based guidelines through governance and participatory processes.
2. The complexity of the governance system of coastal zones, with competences spread among different public administrations at national, regional, insular and local level. LIFE AdaptCalaMillor will involve all relevant stakeholders to define adaptation solutions to be implemented in Cala Millor after the end of the project, to be defined based on the understanding and agreement of a wide range of actors.

The project will support the implementation of the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, by improving local climate knowledge, making adaptation smarter and more systemic, and incorporating it in the decision-making processes of local stakeholders and civil society.

RESULTS

Expected results:

• A long-term climate change adaptation strategy for the urban beach of Cala Millor, based on integrated science-based guidelines and supported by all relevenat actors.
• Reductions in shoreline erosion and maintenance of the beach’s value for tourism and environmental services, as a result of project actions.
• Co-designed climate adaptation solutions and an improved governance system for coastal zones in Cala Millor.