Coastal Ecosystem Degradation and Tsunami Mitigation

Research Abstract
Coastal Ecosystem Degradation and Tsunami Mitigation

Principal Investigator
Philip Berke

Problem
This study includes an interdisciplinary team of investigators form the University of British Columbia
and the University of North Carolina that will examine the potential tsunami mitigation benefits of
coastal ecosystems along the Indian Ocean crescent. The massive destruction and loss of life
caused by the December 2004 tsunami disaster offers a significant opportunity to explore the links
between ecosystem degradation and damage. While the disaster field has given surprisingly limited
attention to these links, even less attention has been given to the role of coastal ecosystems in
mitigating tsunami impacts.

Objectives
This one-year National Science Foundation ($95,000) supported study consists of three objectives:
   1. Identify 3 to 6 matched pairs of sites (high versus low environmental degradation) within the
       tsunami impact zone.
   2. Determine links between losses and coastal ecosystem integrity through use of remote
      sensing technology.
   3. Conduct a field investigation to:
       • verify and refine remote sensing data, and
       • assess influence of the disaster and environmental planning institutions in ecosystem protection.

Implications
The study will provide insights into role of ecosystem degradation, remote sensing as a research
tool, and environmental conservation as a mitigation strategy. These insights should be of particular
interest to communities at risk to tsunamis. Investigation of these links is highly appropriate since
much of the field data are ephemeral and must be gathered during the disaster aftermath.

Investigators
Philip Berke (Principal Investigator), Department of City & Regional Planning, University of North
Carolina, pberke@unc.edu, 919 962-4765; and Stephanie Chang (Co-principal Investigator), School
of Community and Regional Planning and the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability,
University of British Columbia, sechang@unterchange.ubc.ca, 604 827-5054.


	RELATED LINKS: Philip Berke New Urbanism Watershed Land Use page		Research Abstract Coastal Ecosystem Degradation and Tsunami Mitigation Principal Investigator Philip Berke Problem This study includes an interdisciplinary team of investigators form the University of British Columbia and the University of North Carolina that will examine the potential tsunami mitigation benefits of coastal ecosystems along the Indian Ocean crescent. The massive destruction and loss of life caused by the December 2004 tsunami disaster offers a significant opportunity to explore the links between ecosystem degradation and damage. While the disaster field has given surprisingly limited attention to these links, even less attention has been given to the role of coastal ecosystems in mitigating tsunami impacts. Objectives This one-year National Science Foundation ($95,000) supported study consists of three objectives: 1. Identify 3 to 6 matched pairs of sites (high versus low environmental degradation) within the tsunami impact zone. 2. Determine links between losses and coastal ecosystem integrity through use of remote sensing technology. 3. Conduct a field investigation to: • verify and refine remote sensing data, and • assess influence of the disaster and environmental planning institutions in ecosystem protection. Implications The study will provide insights into role of ecosystem degradation, remote sensing as a research tool, and environmental conservation as a mitigation strategy. These insights should be of particular interest to communities at risk to tsunamis. Investigation of these links is highly appropriate since much of the field data are ephemeral and must be gathered during the disaster aftermath. Investigators Philip Berke (Principal Investigator), Department of City & Regional Planning, University of North Carolina, pberke@unc.edu, 919 962-4765; and Stephanie Chang (Co-principal Investigator), School of Community and Regional Planning and the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, sechang@unterchange.ubc.ca, 604 827-5054.