title: Implications of adopting a biodiversity-based vulnerability index versus a shoreline environmental sensitivity index on management and policy planning along coastal areas.
abstract: In this study, a multi-criteria index was developed to assess anthropogenic stressors along the Mediterranean coastline. The index aimed at geo-locating pollution hotspots for informed decision making related to coastal zone management. The index was integrated in a Geographical Information System based geodatabase implemented at several pilot areas along the Northern (Italy and France), Eastern (Lebanon), and Southern (Tunisia) Mediterranean coastlines. The generated stressor maps were coupled with a biodiversity richness index and an environmental sensitivity index to produce vulnerability maps that can form the basis for prioritizing management and mitigation interventions towards the identification of pollution hotspots and the promotion of sustainable coastal zone management. The results identified significant differences between the two assessment methods, which can bias prioritization in decision making and policy planning depending on stakeholders' interests. The discrepancies emphasize the need for transparency and understanding of the underlying foundations behind vulnerability indices and mapping development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Harik
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Alameddine
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maroun
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rachid
authors.affiliation: Department of Astronautics, Electrical & Energetics Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bruschi
authors.affiliation: Department of Astronautics, Electrical & Energetics Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Astiaso Garcia
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: mfadel@aub.edu.lb.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El-Fadel
mesh_terms: D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D005602:France; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D005843:Geography; D007558:Italy; D007861:Lebanon; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D011640:Public Policy; D014416:Tunisia
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants
keywords: Anthropogenic pollution; Coastal zone management; Mediterranean coastlines; Stress and vulnerability indices