geography extended response

a significant coastal change is erosion, which is the process of gradually destroying soil, rock, or dissolved material from one location on the earth's crust. with growing populations, increasing urban development and changing climate conditions, our coasts are under immense pressure and management strategies need to be implemented to ensure they remain intact for the future. erosion challenges the 3 pillars of sustainability - social, economic and environmental.

with cottesloe beach being one of perth’s most popular tourist hotspots, erosion has a significant impact on its social value. hundreds of thousands of tourists visit a year, relying on the coast to swim, surf or enjoy a sunset picnic ‘; the beach. cottesloe beach plays an important role in the life of australians and is often valued for the service and spiritual services it provides. recreational activities will be affected if it reduces in width or disappears altogether as a result of erosion.

coastal erosion will adversely affect people’s incomes due to a loss of land. erosion on or near a property can result in a reduction in the value of the property, and affected property owners will find it difficult to get insurance or a mortgage. the loss of property will arise if coastal management strategies are not implemented, or are not successful. citizens may not be able to afford to repair their damaged property, not to mention the potential costs associated with relocating, buying or renting another home.

the cottesloe reef system contains a diverse range of habitats including seagrass, reef and macro-algae, supporting different native and threatened species of biodiversity. these habitats are also a nursery and breeding ground for port jackson sharks and stingrays. cottesloe beach has many trees that act as environmental services that absorb co2 and produce oxygen, benefitting the people. so, if erosion occurs, these habitats and trees will be destroyed, cottesloe’s environmental value dramatically decreasing and threatening the existence of its biodiversity.

even though the cost is high and requires constant maintenance, artificial reefs are worth the $18.2 million cost as they are effective in controlling and limiting the damages of erosion. they also create new ecosystems for marine life, and are made of eco-friendly material. not only are they environmentally beneficial, but they also provide a spiritual service to tourists, as they improve surfing conditions.