Nourddine Mirhani, coordinator of DIDEM's activities in the Comoros and editor of the Atlas of Coastal Landscapes at Risk in Anjouan and Mohéli, presented his work at the Patsy University Campus in Anjouan.
The Atlas of coastal risk landscapes in Anjouan and Mohéli: challenges and responses is the first work of its kind to be produced in the Comoros. This document addresses several key aspects of the Mohéli and Anjouan coastlines. It presents a detailed typology of the coasts and studies spatio-temporal changes using multi-date imagery. The atlas also examines the indicators, intensity and decadal trajectory of coastal erosion, and spatializes localities at risk of marine submersion. It analyzes anthropogenic pressures, in particular the extraction of beach materials in correlation with coastal erosion and its repercussions. Faced with these challenges, the atlas proposes concrete alternatives for reducing sand extraction, as well as methods for coastal risk prevention and protection. It is completed by 66 descriptive sheets of the beaches of Anjouan and Mohéli, with dated images of erosion markers to enable monitoring of coastline dynamics. Designed as a multi-purpose tool, the atlas can be used for information, awareness-raising, education, scientific research, decision-making and coastal management. Richly illustrated with photographs, graphs, maps and tables, it provides an in-depth and immediate visual understanding of the issues and proposed solutions.
The document is aimed at a wide audience, including policy-makers, managers, civil society organizations, teachers, researchers, students and pupils, making it a valuable resource for all those interested in coastal preservation and management.
This Atlas was written within the framework of the DIDEM project and the VULAMAPP project: Vulnerability of Indian Ocean coastlines to coastal erosion/marine submergence, the case of the islands of Anjouan and Mohéli (Comoros): from Landscape Atlas to prospective strategy (FCR Réunion). It will be published by the RECOS project: Resilience of coastal zones in the Indian Ocean.
