Beach Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: Abaiang, Kiribati

Abstract

The erosion of beaches is prevalent on Paci|c island coastlines, partly due to human causes. On Abaiang in Kiribati, many beaches have been reported as eroding, and coastal protection structures such as seawalls are expensive and can cause negative impacts. Beach ecosystem based adaptation (EbA) can increase resilience of beaches to storms and sea level rise, using access control fencing and gateways, beach vegetation replanting and use of brush matting to protect beach erosion scarps from direct wave action. This project applied EbA methods at seven eroding beaches on Abaiang, all located on community land, in demonstrations involving all of the ten villages on the main island.