ABSTRACT
Decision-making in the coastal zone requires recognition of the complex dynamic interactions occurring between each and all components of the coastal system, both natural and societal. Such awareness represents a key concept in the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), and this in turn is leading to recognition of the need for both increased participation in the decisionmaking process and to develop longer planning horizons1,2. Nevertheless, the complexity of coastal systems means that there are difficulties involved in communicating technical issues to a lay audience as a prelude to their participation in strategic decision-making. Therefore, a critical step in the process is the development of tools that compile, synthesise and communicate information on natural hazards in order to develop effective risk mitigation strategies3. In this chapter, we explore a Virtual Reality (VR) approach to meet this challenge, with particular emphasis on communicating the risk associated with coastal erosion in cliff areas up to the year 2100.
