30-year coastline study and adaptation strategies - Tuamotu and Tahiti

Context

Rising sea levels and the intensification of extreme climatic phenomena represent a major challenge for coral archipelagos, particularly the Tuamotu atolls located at just 5 to 6 meters above sea level. These territories are particularly vulnerable to marine submersion and coastal erosion. French Polynesia does not currently have reliable long-term projections on the evolution of the atoll coastline, as existing studies are limited to cyclonic swells.
Challenges & objectives

The facility aims to fill gaps in knowledge of coastline recession over a 30-year horizon. Its aim is to provide reliable projections that can be used to identify the areas most at risk and define appropriate adaptation and development strategies.
Stakeholders involved

Direction de la Construction et de l'Aménagement de la Polynésie française.

Facility description

The facility is based on the collection of historical data in order to analyze the evolution of the coastline and better understand future risks. It provides for the study of factors influencing coastline evolution, including sea-level rise, cyclones and heavy swells. The analysis will make it possible to draw up 30-year shoreline recession projections for six Tuamotu atolls and Pointe Vénus in Tahiti, in order to identify the areas most at risk and propose appropriate development rules.

Context