Selection of Appropriate Coastal Protection Strategies for Caribbean Coastlines

The coastlines of the Caribbean are unique in many ways. Their warm waters and sandy beaches attract millions of visitors to their shores and these attributes provide an essential economic opportunity. Coastal hazards affecting the region include hurricanes, tsunami, and coastal erosion. For islands with mountainous interiors, development is often concentrated along the coastlines. This paper draws on more than 20 years of experience designing and evaluating coastal protection schemes in the region, and the related issues, constraints and opportunities are discussed. Projects in the Bahamas, St. Vincent, Guyana, Jamaica, and Barbados are cited and the reasons for their appropriateness to the region and specific locations are highlighted. The paper highlights the importance of multi-criteria analyses for coastal project selection and the need for funding agencies to insist on a thorough evaluation of options at the design stage. The unique nature of both the local and regional issues must be recognized and, as such, the design parameters used must have a Caribbean focus. Stakeholder consultation is an essential component of the design process and projects should be treated as an opportunity for socio-economic enhancement as much as possible. Eco-system based approaches should also be given due consideration. Experience has shown that the regulations and codes that govern coastal development need to be updated in most cases. Further, proper enforcement of these regulations will be key if Caribbean coastlines are to survive the next century of anticipated sea level rise.