Public perception and preferences for coastal risk management: Evidence from a convergent parallel mixed-methods...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Coastal Management
• Risk Perception

Background:

• Coastal ecosystems face increasing human pressure and climate change impacts.
• These threats exacerbate hazardous processes, increasing community vulnerability and challenging current coastal management.
• Ignoring public perception hinders effective coastal risk mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively assess public perception and preferences for coastal risk management.
• To understand public priorities in selecting risk adaptation strategies.
• To explore public willingness to engage in participatory coastal governance.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Quantitative phase: Population-based survey with 3028 participants.
• Qualitative phase: E-interviews with 320 participants, followed by data triangulation.

Main Results:

• Public prioritizes the intrinsic value of coastal systems when choosing adaptation strategies.
• Ecosystem-based adaptation measures are favored over grey infrastructure.
• High distrust in authorities fuels demand for participatory coastal management and citizen engagement.

Conclusions:

• Findings support a shift towards participatory coastal governance, valuing public input.
• Ecosystem-based adaptation and citizen engagement are key to enhancing coastal resilience.
• Tailored management initiatives and policy tools are needed to decentralize governance and boost engagement.