The Government will create artificial marshes and raise the levels of future buildings to cope with rising sea levels
In the worst-case scenario, sea levels could rise by 0.72 metres by 2100, which will directly affect 32% of the Basque population (more than 700,000 people) of the river valleys on the coast or near the mouth, and the Basque Government has therefore initially approved the Territorial Sectoral Plan for the Protection and Management of the Coast (PTS).
The rise in sea levels will directly affect almost one third of the population of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (CAPV), that is, more than 700,000 people living on the coast or in areas of river valleys near the mouth.
According to a study by the IPCC scientific expert group, in the worst situation sea level could rise to 72 centimetres by 2100, a rise that would completely alter the connection between sea and territory. If, on the other hand, it was able to contain greenhouse gas emissions, this increase would be limited to 49 centimetres.
In the worst situation, 39% of the beach surface, 26.7% of the dunes and 75% of the marshes could be lost in the CSC.
It would also significantly increase the vulnerability of green areas, ecological infrastructures, residential and industrial areas and coastal fronts affected by waves. Specifically, vulnerable residential areas would increase from 1.13 per cent to 2.76 per cent (an increase of 244 per cent) and industrial areas from 1.43 per cent to 3.64 per cent.
On Monday, the Basque Government approved the Sectoral Territorial Plan for the Protection and Managementof the Coastline (PTS), with the aim of strengthening the protection of the coastline and preventing the effects of climate change.
Within the framework of this plan, artificial marshes will be created in estuaries such as Urdaibai (Bizkaia) or Urola (Gipuzkoa). The plan also provides for an increasein levels in the construction of future housing.
In addition, more than 300 hectares of Cantabrian encinar will be included in the category of "Special Protection", strengthening the conservation of ecosystems essential to the effects of climate change.
In the marine area, the plan promotes the expansion of the Natura 2000 network, including the Ulia-Jaizkibel marine area, with an area of approximately 13,000 hectares, as strategic marine ecological corridors.
Following initial approval, the Coastal PTS will be enriched by contributions fromlocal authorities, experts, institutions and citizens.
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