Nature-based solutions on the coast in face of climate change: The case of Benidorm (Spain)

Abstract

The increase in anthropic activities and floods of coastal and river origin put the proper functioning of coastal cities at risk. Benidorm (Spain), an international tourist destination, is no exception to the effects of climate change. Maritime storms intensified, with an increase in wave height by 61% in the last 10 years. Likewise, changes in atmospheric circulation patterns have maximized the irregularity and torrentiality of rainfall in the study area, finding that 2 of the 3 years with the highest number of days of daily precipitation >30 mm have occurred in recent years (2017 and 2019). All these changes will accelerate the beach erosion process. Therefore, it was necessary to act, implementing natural solutions that increase the resilience of the coastal city. The innovative construction of a vegetated urban dune parallel to the promenade was proposed to protect it from the 3 m flood level during the most unfavourable maritime storm. The dune must favour the drainage of sea water and be compatible with the recreational activities carried out in its surroundings. The solutions proposed here are a recommendation so that Public Administrations in other parts of the world can design their climate adaptation plans using nature-based solutions.