Systemic Structural Intervention for Regenerative Urban Development along Tropical Coastlines
Analysis of the global population distribution situates the bulk of humanity on or near coastlines and in tropical regions exposed to extreme weather events and coinciding with mangrove habitat, resulting in the decline of mangrove forests globally through urban shoreline development. Historical and contemporary urban coastal construction methodologies are practiced on principles of rigidity and static shoreline in contrast to the inherent morphological characteristics of coastal zone ecologies, contributing to shoreline erosion through scour of sediment adjacent to structures. Coastal ecosystems and urban development at low-lying elevations stand exposed to the threats of inundation from sea level rise and lack sufficient time for response through natural migration. Restoration of the mangrove shoreline ecosystem as an integral part of regenerative urban development may contribute to the maintenance of hydrological flows in coastal aquifers and to shoreline stabilization during turbulent weather patterns, as well as contribute to the ecological well-being of dependent marine ecosystems such as coral reef and seagrass.
