ABSTRACT
Many shorelines are retreating at sandy coasts worldwide, in consequence of a sediment redistribution process. This process is considered a problem, as it endangers activities, infrastructures and other human developments along the coast. Understanding the causes of coastal erosion is needed to better manage and plan the littoral. Several different human actions contribute for the sediment deficit in the coastal systems. Climate change and sea level rise effects tend to amplify these causes. Considering erosion, with consequent shoreline retreat, loss of territory, plus damage to infrastructure and property, two strands of analysis are possible to mitigate it: 1) acting at the cause, by reducing the human activities decreasing the sediment volumes reaching the coastal system or by artificially bringing sediments into the coasts; 2) acting at the consequence, by reducing the exposure level (adapting or retreating the infrastructures at urban water fronts) or by protecting the shore by building coastal structures. Mitigating coastal erosion demands effective strategies, planned in a long-term perspective. It should be supported by the identification of risk areas, defining priorities - where occupation can be considered (or should be) forbidden, and based on cost-benefit analyses to help decision-makers.
