ECOSYSTEM SCALE IMPACTS OF AND MALADAPTATIONS TO MANGROVE SHORELINE RETREAT

Abstract

Shoreline retreat is the second biggest cause of global mangrove loss. Shoreline retreat causes the loss of ecosystem functions and services, especially coastal protection, increasing the vulnerability of shorelines and associated coastal communities. This thesis aims to examine the response of mangroves and shoreline-dwelling communities to shoreline change dynamics in the Sundarbans. This thesis adopts a mixed-methods approach using geospatial analysis techniques, field observations in the form of videos, and semi-structured community interviews. This thesis found that retreating mangrove shorelines develop characteristics that can increase vulnerability to shoreline loss under future stressors, and poorly designed embankments as a coastal defense strategy may be counterproductive in preventing retreat in mangrove deltas. Ultimately, the four data chapters in this thesis show that local adaptations to shoreline retreat can fail because they do not incorporate shoreline processes (including longer-term shoreline dynamics) and the local environment in their design.