Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China

Under the context of global climate change, sea-level rise and frequent storm surge events pose significant challenges to coastal areas. Protecting coastlines from erosion, mitigating socio-economic losses, and maintaining ecosystem balance are critical for the sustainable development of coastal zon...

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Main Authors: Xingfan Li, Shihui Lin, Libing Qian, Zhe Wang, Chao Cao, Qi Gao, Jiwen Cai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/7/1307
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author Xingfan Li
Shihui Lin
Libing Qian
Zhe Wang
Chao Cao
Qi Gao
Jiwen Cai
author_facet Xingfan Li
Shihui Lin
Libing Qian
Zhe Wang
Chao Cao
Qi Gao
Jiwen Cai
author_sort Xingfan Li
collection DOAJ
description Under the context of global climate change, sea-level rise and frequent storm surge events pose significant challenges to coastal areas. Protecting coastlines from erosion, mitigating socio-economic losses, and maintaining ecosystem balance are critical for the sustainable development of coastal zones. The concept of “living shorelines” based on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) employs near-natural ecological restoration and protection measures. In low-energy coastal segments, natural materials are prioritized, while high-energy segments are supplemented with artificial structures. This approach not only enhances disaster resilience but also preserves coastal ecosystem stability and ecological functionality. This study constructs a coastal vitality evaluation system for Fujian Province, China, using the entropy weight method, integrating three dimensions: protective safety, ecological resilience, and economic vitality. Data from 2010 and 2020 were analyzed to assess the spatiotemporal evolution of coastal vitality. Results indicate that coastal vitality initially exhibited a spatial pattern of “low in the north, high in the center, and low in the south,” with vitality values ranging from 0.20 to 0.67 (higher values indicate stronger vitality). Over the past decade, ecological restoration projects have significantly improved coastal vitality, particularly in central and southern regions, where high-vitality segments increased markedly. Key factors influencing coastal vitality include water quality, cyclone intensity, biological shoreline length, and wetland area. NbS-aligned coastal management strategies and soft revetment practices have generated substantial ecological and economic benefits. To further enhance coastal vitality, region-specific approaches are recommended, emphasizing rational resource utilization, optimization of ecological and economic values, and the establishment of a sustainable evaluation framework. This study provides scientific insights for improving coastal protection capacity, ecological resilience, and economic potential.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2077-1312
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publishDate 2025-07-01
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spelling doaj-art-210a9c5374fb4242a4e74e47571cd8d82025-08-20T03:58:26ZengMDPI AGJournal of Marine Science and Engineering2077-13122025-07-01137130710.3390/jmse13071307Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, ChinaXingfan Li0Shihui Lin1Libing Qian2Zhe Wang3Chao Cao4Qi Gao5Jiwen Cai6South China Sea Marine Survey Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou 510300, ChinaThird Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural and Resources, Xiamen 361005, ChinaSouth China Sea Marine Survey Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou 510300, ChinaThird Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural and Resources, Xiamen 361005, ChinaThird Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural and Resources, Xiamen 361005, ChinaGuangzhou Sanhai Marine Engineering Surveying and Designing Company Limited, Guangzhou 510300, ChinaGuangzhou Sanhai Marine Engineering Surveying and Designing Company Limited, Guangzhou 510300, ChinaUnder the context of global climate change, sea-level rise and frequent storm surge events pose significant challenges to coastal areas. Protecting coastlines from erosion, mitigating socio-economic losses, and maintaining ecosystem balance are critical for the sustainable development of coastal zones. The concept of “living shorelines” based on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) employs near-natural ecological restoration and protection measures. In low-energy coastal segments, natural materials are prioritized, while high-energy segments are supplemented with artificial structures. This approach not only enhances disaster resilience but also preserves coastal ecosystem stability and ecological functionality. This study constructs a coastal vitality evaluation system for Fujian Province, China, using the entropy weight method, integrating three dimensions: protective safety, ecological resilience, and economic vitality. Data from 2010 and 2020 were analyzed to assess the spatiotemporal evolution of coastal vitality. Results indicate that coastal vitality initially exhibited a spatial pattern of “low in the north, high in the center, and low in the south,” with vitality values ranging from 0.20 to 0.67 (higher values indicate stronger vitality). Over the past decade, ecological restoration projects have significantly improved coastal vitality, particularly in central and southern regions, where high-vitality segments increased markedly. Key factors influencing coastal vitality include water quality, cyclone intensity, biological shoreline length, and wetland area. NbS-aligned coastal management strategies and soft revetment practices have generated substantial ecological and economic benefits. To further enhance coastal vitality, region-specific approaches are recommended, emphasizing rational resource utilization, optimization of ecological and economic values, and the establishment of a sustainable evaluation framework. This study provides scientific insights for improving coastal protection capacity, ecological resilience, and economic potential.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/7/1307marine geologycharacteristicevaluatenature-based solutionsdevelopment mode
spellingShingle Xingfan Li
Shihui Lin
Libing Qian
Zhe Wang
Chao Cao
Qi Gao
Jiwen Cai
Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
marine geology
characteristic
evaluate
nature-based solutions
development mode
title Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China
title_full Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China
title_fullStr Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China
title_full_unstemmed Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China
title_short Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China
title_sort characteristics and evaluation of living shorelines a case study from fujian china
topic marine geology
characteristic
evaluate
nature-based solutions
development mode
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/7/1307
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