Coastal vulnerability index at a RAMSAR site: a case study of Kukup mangrove island

Abstract

The coastal zone of PulauKukup is characterized by muddy substrates and is classified as a microtidal coast. The mangroves of Pulau Kukup are potentially threatened by accelerated Sea Level Rise (SLR). The study evaluates the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) through the assessment of physical and environmental variables. The data sources were computed and ranked with a value of 1 to 5 based on the criteria stated for each variable. The ranking categories range from very low (1) to very high (5) vulnerability indices. From the data analysis, Pulau Kukup shorelines were dominated by the highly vulnerable sectors (42%), concentrated at the northern and the southern part of the island. Gentle coastal slopes were found at the northern shoreline due to the presence of a 800 ha mudflat. The least vulnerable sectors (16%) were found to be at the eastern part of Pulau Kukup, facing the mainland. The CVI studies revealed the role of dense mangroves around the study area. The existence of dense mangrove vegetation around the shoreline reduced the impacts from SLR to the shorelines. As a conclusion none of the sectors was analysed as having very high vulnerability to SLR.