Abstract

PIRES, Iva; CRAVEIRO, João  and  ANTUNES, Óscar. Soil Artificialization and human vulnerability in two areas affected by coastal erosion processes: Costa da Caparica and Espinho, Portugal. RGCI [online]. 2012, vol.12, n.3, pp.263-275. ISSN 1646-8872.

The processes of coastal erosion are the result of a complex variety of factors, both natural and anthropogenic. The uses of coastal zones, that are attractive to a wide range of human activities, have contributed to a greater human exposure to the risk of erosion and ocean overwash. The assessment of social vulnerabilities, involving the environmental sensitivities of local groups, is a main objective of the study in two critical areas of the Portuguese coast. The assessment of the vulnerabilities requires the discrimination of land use evolution and demographic changes, among other social factors. This analysis still includes results of interviews to stakeholders and policy makers, considering that environmental conflicts are supported by social interests located in the affected territories, but also by different perceptions of risk.

Keywords : Coastal erosion; anthropic factors; land use; environmental conflicts; risk perception.

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