GRSG 35th Conference 2024 Abstract

Title: Geospatial Assessment of Sand Dune Dynamics and Coastal 2 Vulnerability: A Case Study of Hobyo District, Somalia

Author: Muhammad Qasim

Organisation: University of Munster, Germany

The presentation focuses on the critical issue of coastal erosion and sand dune dynamics in the Hobyo District of Somalia, a region increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The need for this research arises from the growing risks coastal communities face due to changing environmental conditions, particularly in developing nations where resources for effective hazard mitigation are often limited. My objective is to provide a comprehensive geospatial analysis that informs local authorities and policymakers, enabling them to implement effective adaptation and resilience strategies.

Coastal regions are vital for the socio-economic development of communities, yet they face significant threats from erosion and shifting sand dunes. In Somalia, where coastal hazards are under-researched, understanding these dynamics is crucial for safeguarding livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems. By conducting this study, I aim to fill the existing knowledge gap and support sustainable coastal management practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action.

The study employs an innovative geospatial analysis framework integrating various datasets, including the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to understand topography and elevation changes, Landsat 8 Imagery for assessing land cover changes over time, soil texture data to analyze how soil composition influences erosion susceptibility, wind speed data to understand how wind patterns affect sand dune movement, and land use and population density to evaluate socio-economic factors influencing vulnerability. We utilized the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to factors influencing coastal erosion and sand dune dynamics. This multi-criteria decision-making approach allowed me to overlay these weighted layers to generate comprehensive hazard, risk, susceptibility, and vulnerability maps.

The geospatial analysis yielded significant findings, with vulnerability maps illustrating areas of high to very high vulnerability near the coastline, primarily due to active erosion and shifting sand dunes. Results also highlighted varying vulnerability levels in inland areas, significantly influenced by soil types and wind exposure. Additionally, the analysis shed light on the potential impacts on local communities and critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

This research provides valuable insights and geospatial information crucial for local authorities in Hobyo District and similar coastal regions facing comparable challenges. The methodology and findings can be replicated in other areas, contributing to broader climate change adaptation and resilience-building efforts. By promoting informed decision-making and sustainable coastal management, this work aims to foster community resilience against environmental hazards, aligning with global sustainability initiatives. In summary, this presentation will outline the pressing need for enhanced geospatial analysis in understanding coastal vulnerabilities and demonstrate how our findings can guide local policy and action for sustainable development in the face of climate change.