Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal

Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SALTY URBANISM: COMBATING

COASTAL EROSION

Deepashree CHOUDHURY
Professor, PhD, School of Architecture and Planning, Apeejay Institute of
Technology, DR. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Greater Noida,
India, email: [email protected]

Abstract. Coastal erosion is a growing problem worldwide and seriously

threatens coastal infrastructure ecosystems and communities, particularly
in areas where urban development has encroached on natural shorelines.
Salty urbanism, an approach to urban design that incorporates natural
features and works in harmony with coastal environments, offers a
promising solution to this problem. This review explores strategies for
coastal erosion reduction, particularly emphasizing community
participation within the context of salty urbanism. By investigating the
advantages of incorporating salty urbanism and community engagement in
coastal management through a literature study, this paper explores a case
study-Paradeep, a coastal city in India. The aim is to comprehend how salty
urbanism principles have been assimilated into coastal erosion initiatives in
Paradeep and to identify potential opportunities for further integration to
maximize benefits. The results emphasize the importance of integrating
salty urbanism and community participation into coastal erosion
management strategies, especially in coastal areas where these principles
are either lacking or only minimally incorporated, often without a clear
recognition of the term "salty urbanism" itself. Utilizing a mixed-methods
research approach, the study integrates primary data from case studies and
interviews, along with inferences from literature studies to gain valuable
insights from coastal community residents and stakeholders. The findings
will provide a significant contribution to advancing strategies and
initiatives that advocate for sustainable coastal development and
management by suggesting ways to incorporate a community
participation-based salty urbanism approach in similar contexts.

Key words: coastal protection, community empowerment, adaptation strategies

1. Introduction from a combination of natural

Coastal erosion is a major challenge phenomena, including storms, tides, sea-
facing urban areas around the world. It is level rise, sand mining, changes in
a significant environmental issue that sediment supply, and pollution alongside
affects many communities around the human activities such as coastal
world, particularly those in urban areas. development. Coastal erosion can result
Coastal erosion is the gradual or sudden in the loss of property, infrastructure, and
removal of sediment or rock from the habitats, and it also increases the risk of
shore or cliff face. Coastal erosion arises flooding and storm damage. The threat to

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the world’s ecosystems and coastal methodologies involved create significant

communities due to coastal erosion has obstacles in establishing shared
been documented by many studies. understanding and integrated solutions.
Studies predict that by the conclusion of These barriers could potentially be
the century, approximately 67% of the overcome through a collaborative and
Earth's sandy beaches may face the risk of comprehensive framework.
disappearing due to sea level rise and The objective salty urbanism approach is
coastal erosion (Matin and Hasan, 2021). to foster sustainable coastal development
Others point out that 85% of European by comprehending the interplay between
coasts so far have been affected by human activities, coastal erosion, and the
erosion, with an estimated annual associated dynamics. Unlike traditional
economic cost of 1 billion euros (Pranzini, approaches that have often focused on
2015). Studies on India state that over hard infrastructure solutions, such as
7500 kilometers of India’s coastline is seawalls and jetties, implementing such
experiencing an average rate of erosion of measures can be costly and may result in
3.3 millimeters per year due to a adverse environmental consequences.
combination of natural processes, Salty urbanism offers a more sustainable
geology, climatic conditions, and human and ecologically friendly approach to
activities such as construction and sand addressing coastal erosion and bases its
mining (Kunte et al., 2001; Nair et al., 2018). actions on community participation and
interdisciplinary inputs (Beatley, 1999;
The economic cost of coastal erosion is Martynoga, 2015).
significant, with estimates ranging from
billions to trillions of dollars per year 1.1. Aim of the research
globally. This encompasses both The goal of this paper is to promote the
immediate expenses, such as appropriateness and importance of salty
infrastructure and property damage, and urbanism as an effective strategy for
indirect expenses, such as the decline in addressing coastal erosion hazards, with
tourism revenue and ecosystem services. a specific focus on examining community
(Gopalakrishnan et al., 2018). To tackle participation as an integral component of
this issue, the Indian government has its suitability.
implemented several initiatives,
including the National Coastal Zone 1.2. Significance of the research
Management Programme. This program This paper holds significance in offering
aims to facilitate sustainable development valuable insights into the effective
and conservation of the coastal zone utilization of salty urbanism to tackle
(Gopalakrishnan et al., 2018). Coastal coastal erosion hazards. By emphasizing
regions confront a diverse array of the crucial role of community
environmental hazards that encompass participation within this approach, the
both spatial and temporal dimensions. paper addresses the need for a more
Addressing these threats requires comprehensive understanding and
collaboration among many relevant practical application of salty urbanism in
disciplines like architecture, engineering, coastal regions. Through its exploration
urban planning, climate studies, etc. for of community involvement, the paper
deriving holistic solutions. Nevertheless, aims to contribute to the development of
the intricacy of environmental challenges sustainable strategies for coastal
and the multitude of disciplines and protection and resilience.

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1.3. Scope and limitations both the environment and human

The scope of the research paper is related communities. It is a multifaceted
to a literature study on different aspects of phenomenon influenced by various natural
coastal erosion and how they can be and anthropogenic factors (Chowdhury,
mitigated through the salty urbanism 2023). The causes of coastal erosion are
approach. Though salty urbanism diverse, including storm surges, sea level
encompasses a universe of materials and rise, sediment dynamics, and human
strategies, this paper only focuses on the activities. Elevated sea levels result in
role of community participation to waves reaching farther inland, increasing
establish its relevance in the coastal the frequency and severity of storm surges.
erosion protection domain. A limitation This, in turn, raises groundwater tables,
arises due to the scarcity of data contributing to erosion through soil
specifically related to the case study; saturation (Wolff, 2020). Human activities,
Paradeep. Despite a wealth of available such as land use changes and construction,
data on coastal erosion in the broader state worsen coastal erosion by disrupting
of Orissa, the restricted information about natural sediment flow and destabilizing
the Paradeep coast poses an additional coastlines (Prasad and Kumar, 2014).
constraint in conducting a comprehensive
analysis. Another limitation of the paper is The geological and geographical features
that only 3 types of interview respondents of a coastline, including coastal
are considered based on ease of data topography, geology, and sediment
collection, though other types of composition, also significantly determine
stakeholders' views have a significant its susceptibility to erosion (Anfuso et al.,
bearing on the topic being investigated. 2021). Climate change, particularly rising
sea levels and shifts in weather patterns,
2. Literature study intensifies coastal erosion, necessitating
The literature study is categorized into six adaptive measures to inform long-term
different sections; the first five investigate resilience strategies. Coastal erosion not
different aspects of coastal erosion only threatens human infrastructure but
including the erosion protection measures also critical habitats and biodiversity.
positioning it in the context of climate Ecological consequences encompass
change and sustainability, adaptation habitat loss, shifts in species distribution,
theory, and community participation and disruptions to ecosystems.
dynamics. In the last section, various Additionally, vulnerable communities in
aspects of the salty urbanism approach are these areas face challenges to their living
explored to establish its relevance as a conditions and livelihoods (Senevirathna
strategy to combat coastal erosion. et al., 2018).

By delving into the existing body of 2.1.1. Coastal erosion in the context of climate
knowledge, this study seeks to provide a change and sustainability
foundation for addressing coastal erosion Several perspectives have emerged from
through the adaptation of a salty the literature, shedding light on the
urbanism framework. impact of climate change on coastal
erosion and the quest for sustainable
2.1. Coastal erosion: different aspects mitigation strategies:
Coastal erosion is a complex and urgent (i) Societal risk: Climate change
issue with widespread implications for accelerates shoreline erosion, posing a

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threat to coastal communities. This risk comprehensive understanding (Graci et

stems from society's dependence on fossil al., 2018).
fuels and unsustainable practices,
necessitating the promotion of 2.1.2. Coastal erosion protection measures
alternative, sustainable approaches Coastal erosion protection encompasses a
(Rangel-Buitrago et al., 2020). spectrum of strategies, with engineering
structures and nature-based solutions
(ii) Resilience building: Addressing the emerging as prominent approaches.
challenge of coastal erosion in the context
of climate change requires building Engineering structures, comprising
resilience in coastal communities. This seawalls, groins, and breakwaters, have
involves implementing sustainable stood as traditional guardians against
strategies to enhance adaptability and coastal erosion (Schoonees et al., 2019).
recovery from environmental challenges Extensive literature explores these
(Townend et al., 2021). structures, emphasizing their
effectiveness in immediate coastal
(iii) Strategies for adaptation: Coastal protection. Seawalls, designed to absorb
communities can adapt to the growing wave energy, have proven efficient, yet
threat of erosion through proactive concerns arise over ‘coastal squeeze’
measures like infrastructure relocation, impacting adjacent areas (Rashidi et al.,
changes in land use practices, and 2021). Groins, perpendicular to the
adopting enablers such as diversity and shoreline, reveal mixed effectiveness,
flexibility to enhance their adaptive offering beach accretion updrift but
capacity (Whitney and Bennett, 2007; potential erosion downdrift. Breakwaters,
Lebbe and Bongarts, 2021). Promoting offshore energy dissipators, effectively
strategies that facilitate adaptation to reduce wave impact but may alter coastal
environmental pressure, such as coastal currents, influencing sediment
erosion, is crucial for the sustainable distribution (Rubinato et al., 2020).
growth of communities (Amos and Akib, However, the notable limitations of
2023). engineering structures cannot be
overlooked. High construction and
(iv) Ensuring environmental justice: maintenance costs present financial
Vulnerable communities are challenges, shoreline hardening may
disproportionately exposed to threats accelerate erosion in adjacent regions,
arising from climate change and coastal and the structures' rigidity limits
erosion. This underscores the need for adaptability to changing conditions.
sustainable mitigation strategies that Ecologically, alterations in natural
consider social equity and justice sediment transport and habitat
(Gotham, 2016). degradation are identified as
consequential impacts. Striking a balance
(v) Holistic interpretation: Coastal between the immediate efficacy of
erosion patterns are influenced by engineering structures and the need for
various ecological systems, encompassing sustainable, nature-based alternatives
both built and unbuilt components. This becomes pivotal, prompting a more
necessitates a holistic framework and nuanced exploration in subsequent
multidisciplinary knowledge for a sections (Saengsupavanich et al., 2023).

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Nature-based solutions, encompassing and Frohle, 2022). As a whole, nature-

strategies like beach nourishment, dune based solutions emerge from the literature
restoration, and the establishment of as ecologically sound and sustainable
living shorelines, represent a alternatives, fostering a holistic approach
transformative approach to coastal that effectively controls erosion while
protection (Slinger et al., 2021). Beach preserving and enhancing coastal
nourishment, involving the ecosystems. The overriding premise when
supplementation of eroded beaches with working with coastal ecosystems as
sediment, emerges as ecologically Nature-based Solutions is, of course,
advantageous by enhancing habitat to work within the given, natural
diversity and supporting biodiversity boundary conditions and not to create
(Chen et al., 2022). Sustainability artificial landscapes as foreign bodies in
considerations favor beach nourishment, the coastal environment. Furthermore,
especially when utilizing locally sourced possible differences between naturally
sediment, aligning with natural coastal developed coastal ecosystems and those,
dynamics, and exhibiting adaptability to whose development is triggered or
changing conditions but necessitates facilitated by human intervention and
careful planning and consideration of actions, need to be considered and
environmental impacts (Staudt et al., examined further (Abelson et al., 2020).
2021). Dune restoration, focusing on the
re-establishment of natural dune systems, 2.1.3. Coastal adaptation theory:
not only provides crucial erosion buffers futureproofing the coast
but also promotes ecological benefits such Coastal defence strategies, though have
as the restoration of native plant species been used for centuries as tools to
and the stabilization of coastal sediments. prevent coastal erosion have certain
Sustainability is underscored through the limitations due to the expense associated
method's alignment with natural and their temporary nature. In the face of
processes and its contribution to climate change and other uncertainties,
ecosystem stability (Sigren et al., 2014). the adaptability of these strategies often
Living shorelines, integrating natural becomes a determining factor behind
elements like vegetation, oyster reefs, and their success or failure. (Tobey et al.,
marshes, demonstrate ecological 2003). The complex and dynamic nature
advantages, including habitat creation, of coastal environments necessitates
improved water quality, and enhanced smart, innovative, and robust coastal
shoreline stabilization. Sustainability erosion management plans that consider
considerations highlight the method's socioeconomic, environmental, and
adaptability to changing environmental climate-related factors (Rangel-Buitrago
conditions and its role in promoting et al., 2018; Coelho et al., 2023). The
overall coastal ecosystem health (Polk and adaptation pathways approach aids in
Eulie, 2018). Coastal ecosystems like salt studying the extension of feasible options
marshes, mangroves, seagrass meadows, over time, and how current response
beaches, dunes, coral, and shellfish or portfolios can be diversified through
oyster reefs bear the potential to bridge adaptation measures (Tompkins et al., 2008;
the gap between coastal engineering and Henstra, 2016; Rangel-Buitrago et al., 2018).
nature conservation, since they provide
benefits and support beneficial processes Coastal management strategies are
for water, nature, and people alike (Jordan classified into retreat, accommodation,

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and protection, emphasizing the need for success in terms of adaptation capability
a nuanced and context-specific approach (Pranzini et al., 2015). Different national
(Coelho et al., 2023). Despite variations in approaches to coastal protection in
terminology, the underlying vision of Europe highlight the need for socio-
these strategies aligns with the common economic planning and practical
goal of addressing sea-level rise, erosion, alternatives for making coastal
and coastal flooding challenges in management adaptive to modern-day
densely populated coastal areas (Lebbe disruptions (Nicholls et al., 2013). Specific
and Bongarts, 2021). programs in the United States of
America(USA), such as the National
Beach nourishment which emerged as a Flood Insurance Program and Coastal
pioneering alternative in the 1970s Area Management Act, have faced
remains a preferred method in many adaptability challenges due to legal flaws
countries to control shoreline degradation and inadequate projections of sea-level
(Pranzini et al., 2015). However, in the rise and erosion (Rangel-Buitrago et al.,
wake of demands for more sustainable 2018). The coastal defence strategy in
ways of managing the coasts’ managed Buenos Aires is reported to be deficient in
retreats are gaining popularity (Haasnoot terms of adaptability whereas combining
et al., 2021). Managed retreat or hard and soft solutions has improved
realignment, represents a coastal adaptability and positive impacts on
management approach enabling the coastal management projects along the
shoreline to naturally move inland, as Colombian Caribbean coast. Erosion
opposed to relying on structural strategies in Africa, are often individual
engineering to maintain the existing line. and uncoordinated exacerbating coastal
Simultaneously, this strategy enhances erosion (Coelho et al., 2023). In India, the
natural coastal habitats seaward of a coastal environments and resources are
newly established defence line (Setter et reported to be undergoing rapid
al., 2023). However, planned/managed degradation and erosion, and current
retreat/relocation, despite being approaches to the management of coastal
recognized as effective, faces complexities resources are found to be incapable of
in implementation, both politically and et adaptive development despite a
al., socially (Barnett and O'Neill, 2012; multitude of measures and policies being
Haasnoot et al., 2013). in force (Mohanty et al., 2023).

Coastal accommodation strategies 2.1.4. Community participation to address

encompass various methods aimed at coastal erosion
addressing coastal erosion by modifying Recognizing that over 40% of the world's
and reordering human activities within the population resides in coastal areas (Tobey
coastal zone. In the recent past, ecosystem- et al., 2010; Nash et al., 2022), facing
based accommodation approaches have anthropogenic pressures and climate
gained traction, demonstrating how change effects (Santos et al., 2013), there is
ecosystems can mitigate wave power, an urgent need for effective adaptation
reduce erosion, and enhance overall coastal measures public participation is a major
protection (Lebbe and Bongarts, 2021). principle of Integrated Coastal Zone
Management, enhancing the success of
The global scenario of coastal erosion adaptation measures. While coastal
management practices exhibits mixed management discussions traditionally

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Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

positioned citizens and anthropogenic community in discussions about coastal

activities as central drivers of negative erosion, natural hazards, and coastal
impacts, there is a growing management options is essential (Storch
acknowledgment of individuals and et al., 2015; Sandifer and Scott, 2021). A
communities as part of the solution to study on coastal management and
strengthen coastal resilience (Sutton-Grier community management in Malaysia,
et al., 2015; Uddin et al., 2020). Despite the Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand,
benefits of public participation, sustained carried out by Nopparat Nasuchon under
involvement in coastal zone management the United Nations-Nippon Foundation
remains challenging worldwide Fellowship program in 2008- 2009
(Ballinger et al., 2010; McKinley et al., interlinked the success of projects aimed
2021). at sustainable conservation of coastal
resources with their diverse approaches
Community participation in coastal and engagement involving community
hazard mitigation depends significantly members (Song et al., 2020). After
on community perceptions of how these studying a wide range of coastal
hazards can disrupt life and living (Areia management scenarios in the above-
et al., 2023). In the past decades' studies mentioned countries, the study reported,
exploring coastal hazard mitigation that Thailand facing challenges related to
strategies have been predominantly fiscal decentralized responsibility,
found to be focused on physical Malaysia lacking community-based
processes, planning, and engineering management practices, and Vietnam
solutions and seemed to have neglected exhibiting a growing trend toward
the social factors, such as public attitudes community-based management for
and perceptions associated with such fisheries. These findings were then
hazards (Tran et al., 2021). But in present analyzed and it was found that the
times, advocacy for sustainable coastal overall success rate of the projects was
communities has gained momentum, closely interlinked with the level and
emphasizing a shift from a top-down to a extent of community participation they
bottom-up approach in coastal planning. garnered in various stages of the project
Coastal experts argue that empowering (Schofield, 2007).
coastal communities which include
diverse stakeholders like coastal In the context of Bangladesh, to address
residents, absentee coastal property the shortcomings of government
owners, beach users, and visitors to strategies, which often mimic mainland
collaboratively devise locally appropriate, conservation policies and inadequately
people-friendly, and ecologically consider coastal conditions, there's been a
sustainable solutions is crucial for radical shift towards community
resilience. (Butler et al., 2014; Gaymer et participation in Bangladesh (Shampa et
al., 2014). al., 2023). This transformative approach
involves a seven-step plan encompassing
Also, public and technical assessments of project site selection, community
risk often differ considerably. integration, issue prioritization,
Laypeople's conceptualization of risk cultivation of local leadership, formation
may reflect legitimate concerns that are of core groups, education and
typically omitted from expert risk mobilization, and the establishment of
assessments. Therefore, involving the community organizations. The primary

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goal is to propose sustainable livelihood management of coastal zones and ocean

alternatives and effectively tackle long- areas (Telave and Chandankar, 2021).
term challenges (Ahmad, 2019). Despite
the acknowledged necessity for a bottom- 2.2. Salty urbanism: a strategy for coastal
up approach, Bangladesh's centralized management
bureaucratic system impedes the efficient
implementation of community-driven
solutions. Advocates emphasize the
imperative to empower marginalized
coastal communities both educationally
and economically, recognizing their
"double vulnerability" as both
uneducated and economically
disadvantaged (Barua and Rahman, 2018).

Indonesia, with the world's largest sea

biodiversity, has adopted Integrated Fig. 1. Salty urbanism: urban adaptation strategies
Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) to adopted in South Florida, U.S.A. suggested by Dr.
address intersectoral policy impacts. Tim Beatley (Source: Author).
However, challenges arise from a top-
The term "salty urbanism" is relatively
down approach, similar to issues faced by
new and its origin is not attributed to any
Bangladesh. The exclusion of local
one specific person or organization. It is
communities from decision-making
an emerging concept that has gained
impedes timely feedback, hindering
popularity in recent years owing to its
citizens' ability to contribute
rootedness in the principles of ‘working
constructively to policies. A notable
with nature’ (Fig. 1). It describes how
concern involves the merging of
natural and artificial coastal features can
sustainable goals with economic welfare,
reduce the unintended consequences of
leading to unintended consequences for
coastal erosion, sea level rise, and
fishing-dependent communities (Nandi,
flooding and is aimed at enhancing the
2014; Dewi and Bijker, 2020).
resilience of coastal communities and
ecosystems. The term was first
In the European context, one noteworthy
introduced in the academic literature in
project that has ensured public
1999 by Dr. Tim Beatley, a faculty
participation in the coastal management
member specializing in sustainable
process is the SCORE project. It
communities at the University of
introduces Coastal City Living Labs
Virginia, in his book "Blue Urbanism:
(CCLL) as a novel concept to address
Exploring Connections Between Cities
climate change impacts on coastal cities.
and Oceans," Beatley explored the
The incorporation of local expertise from
relationship between urban areas and the
city partners in the CCLLs provides
oceans, and how coastal cities can be
context-specific knowledge,
designed and managed to promote
acknowledging potential biases in
sustainability and resilience (Beatley, 2014).
perceptions and scientific findings.
(Laino and Iglesius, 2023). In India, The
The term salty urbanism started to be a
concept of “integrated coastal
mainstream strategy for coastal area
management” is central to the

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 Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal
Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

development in the year 2018 when the promoting amphibious building. The proposal
urban design firm FL BROOKS + initiated and successfully provided
SCARPA located in Los Angeles, United momentum to the deliberations on modes and
States of America won the American mechanisms that can enable residents of Fort
Institute of Architects (AIA) Award for Lauderdale to coexist with, reside on and
their proposal under the same title in utilize water resources effectively through
collaboration with Florida Atlantic ecologically-based infrastructure that
University, University of Southern promotes functionality and facilitates future
California, and the University of Kansas. growth. and suggested strategies aimed at
The study focused on the North Beach reconciling ecological demands with the
Village neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale, economic aspirations of coastal communities.”
Florida, renowned as the 'Venice of Salty urbanism offers essential resilience
America' for its extensive 300-mile strategies for a future that is inevitably
coastline (Ariza et al., 2014). This characterized by ongoing climate change
neighborhood served as a case study for and the rise of sea levels.
the project. Along the coast of this city, a
large number of industries depended on It is important to note that while the term
seawater for their operation. Working "salty urbanism" may be relatively new,
under the larger threat of 490 the concepts and practices that it
communities in major American cities represents have been developed and
getting chronically flooded due to the implemented by coastal communities for
impact of climate change by the year decades. For example, many coastal
2100, the salty urbanism project communities have long-standing
introduced a novel framework for urban traditions of sustainable fishing practices,
design, presenting innovative approaches resource management, and community-
and concepts that incorporated ecosystem based decision-making that align with the
services with structural measures. It principles of salty urbanism (Beatley,
provided several toolboxes for 2014; Huber et al., 2017).
addressing various coastal threats in
vulnerable South Florida and to reap the 2.2.1. Characteristics and principles of salty
urbanism
potential of waterfront-cityscape
interaction, the plan proposed The principles of salty urbanism include
development aligned to the specificities a focus on ecosystem services,
of biodiversity networks (Sklar et al., community engagement, and adaptive
2021). As commended by the jury of the management (Beatley, 2014). Some of the
AIA Award committee: ” The success of key characteristics and principles of salty
these frameworks lies in its nuanced, organic urbanism include:
approach which engages the community and (i) Salty urbanism encompasses a
universality making them implementable in comprehensive approach to coastal
almost any community grappling with the hazards, advocating for mitigation
challenge of rising sea levels. In addition, to strategies rooted in a holistic
focus on green, and streetscape improvements understanding of the hazard paradigm.
in the immediate future, the adoption of a This involves considering contextual
"green jacket" composed of living shoreline, causes and multifaceted implications.
the proposals incorporated guidelines to With coastal areas facing increasing
integrate building typologies to a salt-tolerant threats, a nuanced comprehension of
landscape through radical zoning shifts and these diverse aspects becomes crucial to

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fostering resilience and sustainable salty urbanism, emphasizing a

coastal development (Graells et al., 2021). comprehensive strategy to address
coastal challenges. This approach
(ii) Implementing sustainable strategies involves integrating diverse fields of
for resilience against coastal erosion and study and considering various factors,
climate change aligns with the principles such as ecological, societal, and
of salty urbanism. This approach environmental aspects, in coastal
emphasizes environmental justice management. By combining natural
considerations and integrates ecological features like wetlands and artificial
and societal factors into coastal structures such as breakwaters, salty
management (Dhar and Khirfan, 2023). urbanism seeks to mimic or enhance
natural coastal processes. This holistic
(iii) Salty urbanism employs an integrative perspective ensures that coastal erosion
approach with natural processes and and climate change are tackled from a
ecosystem-based strategies to address well-rounded standpoint, incorporating
coastal erosion. This design strategy scientific, social, and ecological
revolves around the utilization of features considerations. The principle of a
such as wetlands, dunes, mangroves, and multidisciplinary, holistic approach
coral reefs to enhance ecological resilience underscores the need for an inclusive and
and reduce erosion. It combines both thorough understanding of coastal
natural elements and artificial structures dynamics to develop sustainable and
like breakwaters, seawalls, and engineered resilient solutions(Huber et al., 2017).
reefs to effectively mitigate coastal
hazards and stabilize coastlines. These (vi) Community participation is an
artificial features, constructed from inherent aspect of salty urbanism
materials like concrete or rocks, are often emphasizes the need to include residents
designed to mimic or amplify natural in the formulation of coastal development
coastal processes. Additionally, beach projects. The involvement of locals will
nourishment schemes may involve adding ensure that the resulting coastal
sand to widen beaches, serving as a management strategies are more
physical barrier between the shore and the culturally and socially appropriate and
ocean, ultimately lessening the impact of have greater community support (Burak
waves (Jordan and Frohle, 2022). et al., 2004).

(iv) Monitoring and adaptability are crucial 2.2.2. Salty urbanism: advantages over other
characteristics of salty urbanism projects. strategies in reducing coastal erosion
The projects adopting salty urbanism (i) Leveraging natural features like dunes,
principles are designed to be adaptable mangroves, or salt marshes is renowned
over time, as sea levels and erosion for their effectiveness in erosion
patterns change, to ensure long-term reduction and storm surge protection.
resilience. Regular monitoring and Salty urbanism stands out as a coastal
adapting strategies as necessary through management strategy due to its unique
continued data collection and analysis are advantage of seamlessly integrating these
important for the success of projects (Dovie features into urban planning and design
and Pabi, 2023; Pasquali and Marucci, 2021). schemes, maximizing their benefits
(v) The multidisciplinary and holistic significantly (Islam and Ryan, 2016;
approach is a fundamental principle of Palinkas et al., 2022).

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Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

(ii) Salty urbanism projects also provide use of innovative design solutions, such
ecological benefits for coastal ecosystems. as oyster reefs and breakwaters, helped
For example, the restoration of wetlands reduce erosion and enhance coastal
or mangroves can improve water quality, habitats. Overall, salty urbanism offers a
enhance biodiversity, and support promising approach to reducing the
fisheries (Huber et al., 2017). impacts of sea level rise and coastal
erosion, while also promoting ecological
(iii) Cost-effectiveness and sustainability health and cultural values. However, the
of salty urbanism projects: Salty success of salty urbanism projects
urbanism projects are often seen as a depends on effective community
cost-effective and sustainable alternative engagement, collaboration among
to traditional hard engineering stakeholders, and the use of appropriate
solutions, such as seawalls or design interventions that can prove
revetments. By using natural or nature- useful to the local communities. The
based features, salty urbanism projects impact of the above projects which
can reduce the need for expensive incorporated various principles of salty
maintenance and repair, and provide urbanism on coastal ecosystems has been
multiple benefits beyond coastal largely positive, with benefits such as
protection (Turner et al., 1998). reduced erosion, improved water
quality, and increased habitat for marine
2.2.3. Impact of salty urbanism projects on species. These projects also often provide
coastal ecosystems social and economic benefits, such as
Principles of Salty urbanism have been recreational opportunities and support
applied in various contexts around the for local fisheries. However, care should
world, with varying degrees of success. be taken to avoid any unintended
Table 1 lists some examples of salty negative consequences on the
urbanism projects and their impact on surrounding ecosystems because of
coastal ecosystems. them.

These case studies demonstrate the 2.2.4. Salty urbanism and community
potential for salty urbanism to be participation
effective in diverse contexts. The Community participation is critical in the
principal factors that contributed to the successful implementation of salty
success of these projects are effective urbanism projects as it enables the
community engagement, collaboration participation of local communities and
among stakeholders, and innovative their knowledge, skills, and resources in
design solutions. In the "Living developing and implementing effective
Breakwaters" project, for example, solutions. Table 2 lists the various
community members were involved in theoretical frameworks under which salty
the design and implementation of the urbanism projects can formulate
project, which helped build trust and community involvement strategies.
ensure that local values were reflected in
the final product. Collaboration among 2.2.5. Community participation: challenges
various stakeholders, including and opportunities
government agencies, NGOs, and Community participation is very
academic institutions, was also a key important and successful coastal
factor in the project's success. Finally, the management.

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Table 1. Salty urbanism projects and their impact on the coastal ecosystem (Source: Author).
S. Salty urbanism
Description Impact on coastal ecosystems
No. project
Reduces coastal erosion,
Living Breakwaters Construction of offshore breakwaters using mitigates storm surge impacts,
1 (Marrone et al., 2019; concrete and natural materials to create and provides recreational
Martin, 2021) habitats for marine life opportunities for the local
community
Enhances habitat for other
Utilizes oyster reefs to reduce erosion,
Oyster-texture marine species, acts as a natural
2 enhance marine habitat, and improve water
(Michaelis et al., 2020) water filter, improves water
quality
quality and clarity
The Sand Engine Reduces erosion, increases
Large-scale placement of sand to build up
(Luijendijk et al., habitat for beach-dwelling
3 natural dunes and beach systems, reducing
2017; Briere et al., species, popular recreational
erosion and increasing habitat
2018) area for locals and tourists
Acts as a natural barrier against
damages brought by erosion
Mangrove Plantation Restoration and protection of mangrove
4 and also provides habitats to
(Naohiro et al., 2012) forests
many species supporting local
fisheries
Protects the land from erosion
The Coastal Creation of a greenbelt along the coastline and storm surges, provides
5 Greenbelt (Han et al., with native vegetation and dune systems habitat for wildlife, offers
2007) for erosion control and habitat recreational opportunities for
locals
Restores shoreline using
Living Shorelines Restoration of 3 miles of shoreline using
sustainable methods, enhances
6 Project (Palinkas et natural techniques in the Chesapeake Bay,
ecosystem health and
al., 2023) USA
biodiversity
Restores coastal areas using a
The Green Coast Restoration of over 100 km of coastline in
sustainable approach, preserves
7 Project (Cahyo and Brazil using a combination of natural and
natural resources and
Sualia, 2008) engineered solutions
biodiversity
About 40% of the world’s mangrove is
found in South East Asia. India has about
3% of the share of the total Mangrove cover
Mangrove Cover in that is found in South Asia. Mangrove Cells Mangroves protect and restore
8 India (Mugade and have been established and numerous coastal ecosystems, support
Sapkale, 2014) projects have been undertaken in these biodiversity and fisheries
states to protect and restore mangrove
natural barriers against ecosystems, which
act as a coastal erosion protector
Enhances coastal resilience,
Green-Gray
Combines traditional gray infrastructure balances infrastructure needs
Infrastructure
9 (seawalls, levees) with natural green with ecological benefits,
(Wescoat and
infrastructure (wetlands, dunes) in Boston protects against erosion and
Rawoot, 2020)
storm surges
Promotes local cultural and
The cultural and tourism center in Kerala,
Sargaalaya (Patel and ecological values, resilient to sea
10 India, was built using natural materials to
Ganeshgudi, 2020) level rise and coastal erosion,
withstand sea level rise and erosion
supports sustainable tourism
Restores mangrove ecosystems,
Community-led restoration of mangrove
Kudapaduwa Project and improves fisheries through
11 forests and improvement of fisheries in
(Kodikara et al., 2017) sustainable aquaculture
Kudapaduwa, Sri Lanka
practices

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 Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal
Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

Table 2. Salty urbanism projects and their impact on the coastal ecosystem (Source: Author).
S.
Theory Definition Application
No.
Social-ecological systems theory Understanding the interactions
recognizes the interconnectedness and between social and ecological
Social-ecological
interdependence between social and systems in coastal management,
systems theory
1 ecological systems. It examines how these identifying drivers of change and
(Refulio-Coronado
systems interact and influence each other, feedback loops, informing
et al., 2021)
particularly in the context of coastal management strategies considering
management social and ecological factors
Community-based participatory research
Collaboration between researchers
Community-based (CBPR) is an approach that involves
and community members in salty
participatory collaboration between researchers and
urbanism projects, incorporating
2 research (Hegarty, community members. It recognizes the
community knowledge and
1997) valuable knowledge and expertise that
priorities in project design and
communities possess and involves them
implementation
in the research process
Critical urban theory examines the power Challenging power dynamics in
Critical urban dynamics and inequalities that shape coastal management, identifying and
theory urban development and governance. In addressing power imbalances between
3
(Wongbusarakum coastal management, it is applied to stakeholders, and amplifying the
et al., 2019) identify and address power imbalances voices of marginalized communities in
among different stakeholders decision-making processes

Local communities’ involvement in development objectives. Another

coastal projects can ensure that local challenge is the complexity of coastal
demands are taken into account which in management and the need for
turn makes it easier to win trust, increase interdisciplinary collaboration. Salty
awareness and build support (Mathbor, urbanism projects require collaboration
1997; Butt et al., 2018). However, between various stakeholders, such as
community participation in salty government agencies, scientists,
urbanism projects can also present engineers, and local communities. This
challenges, such as limited resources, can be a daunting task, and it may be
conflicting interests, or lack of expertise. difficult for communities to fully engage
It is important to address these challenges in the process. Moreover, communities
to enhance community involvement and may lack the expertise needed to fully
make salty urbanism projects more understand the technical aspects of
effective, sustainable, and equitable. One coastal management (Edwards et al.,
of the main challenges associated with 1997).
community participation in salty
urbanism projects is the lack of resources. 2.2.6. Strategies for effective community
Coastal management requires significant engagement
financial and technical resources, which Effective community engagement requires
may be difficult for communities to the use of various strategies, including
access which may lead to unequal building trust and partnerships, providing
participation. In addition, competing education and outreach, and involving
interests among stakeholder groups can diverse stakeholders. Trust can be built
also present challenges to community through transparent communication,
participation. For example, conflicts may shared decision-making, and
arise between environmental responsiveness to community needs and
conservation goals and economic concerns. Partnerships can also be formed

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with local NGOs, businesses, and other significant community participation can
organizations to increase community be noticed. These projects range from
involvement in management initiatives. identifying vulnerable areas and
Education and outreach can help increase developing adaptation strategies to
community awareness and understanding planning and implementing green
of coastal management issues, and can infrastructure projects (Wu and Barrett,
also build support for management 2022).
initiatives. Finally, involving diverse
stakeholders can ensure that in decision-
making processes, a broad spectrum of 3. Methodology
perspectives is considered. Despite these This section of the paper describes the
challenges, there are opportunities for research methodology undertaken for
enhancing community participation in this research.
salty urbanism projects. One opportunity
is the use of participatory approaches, 3.1. Research design and approach
such as co-design or co-management. This paper adopts an exploratory
Engaging with diverse stakeholder groups research methodology. A literature study
is another opportunity for enhancing is undertaken to augment the existing
community participation in salty knowledge repository on coastal erosion
urbanism projects. For example, and to establish the salty urbanism
indigenous communities may have approach as an effective one in mitigating
unique knowledge about the local impacts risks associated with it. Then, the various
of coastal erosion. Youth organizations aspects of community participation
can also play a role in coastal within the larger framework of salty
management, as they can bring new ideas urbanism are investigated. Various
and perspectives to the table. Finally, literature case studies are used to
enhancing capacity-building and understand the positive impacts of salty
knowledge-sharing can help empower urbanism strategies on coastal ecosystems.
communities to effectively engage in
coastal management processes. This can A primary case study of Paradeep, a
include providing training on coastal coastal town in the state of Orissa, India
management, creating educational is undertaken to understand different
materials, and promoting community- aspects of coastal erosion including the
based monitoring and data collection. role of community participation and
Overall, the challenges and opportunities other engineering measures employed
associated with community participation there in mitigating the risk of coastal
in salty urbanism projects are complex erosion.
and varied. By addressing these
challenges and leveraging the Interviews were undertaken to grasp the
opportunities, stakeholders can create community's perception of salty
more effective and equitable solutions for urbanism concerning coastal
coastal management (Osore et al., 2022). development and management. The focus
was on identifying the factors that coastal
2.2.7. Community participation in salty and non-coastal communities perceive as
urbanism projects: examples obstacles to community participation in
Table 3 lists a few examples of salty the context of coastal development and
urbanism projects worldwide where management.

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 Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal
Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

Table 3. Community participation in salty urbanism projects (Source: Author).

Projects Project Objectives Remarks
1 Integrated Coastal ICZM Project in India, launched by the The ICZM Project showcases a
Zone Management Ministry of Environment and Forests in holistic approach to coastal zone
(ICZM), India 2010, aims to reduce erosion along management, integrating
coasts and support the cause of community participation in a range
sustainable development. The project of strategies and techniques to
incorporates stakeholder engagement, achieve sustainable development
capacity building, mangrove and ensure coastal protection.
restoration, and beach nourishment
techniques to mitigate erosion and
protect against storm surges.
2 Tamil Nadu Coastal The TNCZMA was established in 2011 The TNCZMA establishes the
Zone Management to manage the highly vulnerable coastal importance of interdisciplinary
Authority (TNCZMA), zone of Tamil Nadu, India. It employs collaboration and stakeholder
India an interdisciplinary approach, involvement in coastal
involving experts from engineering, management. Through its
geology, and ecology, to develop initiatives, the authority aims to
comprehensive strategies, and promote safeguard the coastal zone and
stakeholder engagement, awareness enhance community resilience.
campaigns, and community-based
conservation programs.
3 Sustainable Coastal The SCMFM project, initiated by the The SCMFM project plays a crucial
and Marine Fisheries Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' role in promoting sustainable
Management Welfare in 2019, focuses on the practices in coastal and marine
(SCMFM) Project, sustainable management of coastal and fisheries, emphasizing the
India marine fisheries in India. It incorporates importance of stakeholder
stakeholder engagement, capacity engagement and education to
building, innovative management achieve long-term conservation
techniques, sustainable fishing and livelihood benefits.
practices, and sustainable fisheries
management.
4 Mumbai Waterfronts The Mumbai Waterfronts Centre is a The project showcases the
Centre, India research and advocacy organization significance of interdisciplinary
dedicated to sustainable development collaboration and stakeholder
along the Mumbai waterfront. It engagement for preserving marine
employs an interdisciplinary approach, biodiversity and promoting
and promotes stakeholder engagement, environmentally conscious
through awareness campaigns, and practices.
community-based conservation
programs.
5 Community-Based Community-Based Coastal Resource Community-based approaches
Coastal Resource Management program in the empower local communities and
Management Philippines protects coral reefs and foster their active participation in
Program, Philippines benefits local communities coastal management, resulting in
6 Fostering Adaptation Engages communities in climate change sustainable solutions that address
to Coastal Threats adaptation strategies. environmental and social
program in Ghana challenges effectively. These
7 Development post- Local communities participated in initiatives recognize the value of
Hurricane Sandy, developing adaptation strategies. The local knowledge and collaboration
New York, USA project included the implementation of
green strategies like planting trees and
designing rain gardens to minimize the
runoff of stormwater and control
floods.

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Projects Project Objectives Remarks

8 Project to address Local communities participated in
rising sea level, a identifying vulnerable areas and
partnership between developing adaptation strategies. The
Cochin municipal community members contributed their
corporation and knowledge of local water bodies and
Indian Institue of developed an effective mapping system
Technology, Chennai, to identify the areas that were most at
India risk.
9 Flood mitigation in Local communities are involved in
partnership with developing flood risk maps, early
World Bank, Jakarta, warning systems, and evacuation plans.
Indonesia
10 Partnership with local Local communities involved in
universities and planning and implementing green
community groups for infrastructure projects
stormwater
management,
Semarang, Indonesia
11 Green infrastructure, Collaboration with local communities in
Rotterdam, planning and implementing projects,
Netherland such as the floating community garden

A sample size of 50 respondents from a significant seaport city and

three categories (Respondents belonging municipality in the state of Odisha, India
to three categories were interviewed; (Fig. 2). It has been a major center of
R1(respondents presently living in the maritime trade for a long time. The town
case study area), R2 (Respondents who of Paradeep is home to Paradeep Port, a
are not living presently in the case study deep-water port that was established in
area but lived in the past 10 years for a 1966. It was constituted as a Notified
minimum period of 3 years) and R3 Area Council in 1979 and converted into
(Respondents who never lived in case a municipality in 2002. Initially, the
study area or any other coastal area municipality consisted of five revenue
coastal areas) are selected through villages, which later expanded to include
random probability sampling. 40% of 15 villages owing to the increasing
respondents belonged to the R1 category, population and industrialization. The
40% of respondents belonged to the R2 town is at present an industrial hub
category, and the rest to the R3 category. supported by Paradeep Port (Nanda,
Both structured and unstructured 2011). Some of the major industries
questionnaires were used to generate the utilizing the bulk cargo handling facilities
responses. Face-to-face interviews, of Paradeep Port are Paradeep
telephonic interviews, and electronic Phosphates Limited, Cargill, the Indian
surveys through google forms were Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum,
conducted. Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Farmers
Fertiliser Cooperative, and Goa Carbon
3.2. Case study -port town, Paradeep, Orissa, Limited (Behera et al., 2023).
India
Pardeep Coast is part of an 80-kilometer-
Paradeep, situated at the junction of the long Paradeep- Dharma coastal stretch,
Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal, is which was adopted by the state of Orissa

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 Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal
Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

in 2010 as a stretch under the ICZMP turtles) define this stretch. Paradeep port,
Project (Mohanty et al., 2008). vital for overseas trade, further
contributes to the region's significance
(Barman et al., 2015).

3.2.1. Coastal erosion: a threat to the town

and the port
Coastal erosion in the state of Odisha, in
which Paradeep is located has emerged
as a critical environmental challenge,
Fig. 2. Location of Paradeep coast (Source: impacting local communities and
Author). biodiversity. The state's extensive
coastline faces severe erosion and has
The concept of Integrated Coastal Zone witnessed a significant rise in sea levels,
Management (ICZM), born in 1992 increasing by 9.5 centimeters from 1966 to
during the Earth Summit in Rio de 2015. Rising sea levels, accelerated
Janeiro, seeks to balance environmental, cyclones, and a delayed Integrated
economic, social, cultural, and Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZM)
recreational objectives over the long term, prepared by the Union Environment
all within the limits set by natural Ministry in 2010 have exacerbated the
dynamics. ICZM is a comprehensive crisis, prompting the need for effective
process for managing the coast and mitigation strategies.
emphasizes the integration of all relevant
policy areas, sectors, and levels of Paradeep has been severely threatened by
administration transcending geographical rapid coastal erosion taking place on the
and political boundaries, with the Mahanadi River mouth for the last few
overarching goal of achieving years. Traditionally, a fisherman’s town
sustainability. It entails the integration of was dependent on an agricultural
both terrestrial and marine components economy to some extent; the town started
of the target territory, considering both to transform with the establishment of a
time and space (Ramesh et al., 2012). port. Nehru Bungalow (primarily a
guesthouse for visiting port officials and
Covering 2448 square kilometers on the guests) near the Mohna (The point where
landward side, the Paradeep-Dharma the Mahanadi River meets the Bay of
coastal stretch includes 1302 villages and Bengal) was the first multistorey building
3 urban areas with a population of that came up in the town. Near Nehru
approximately 12.5 lakh. This coastal Bungalow locality, the first port
section is intricately woven with township, Jawahar Guest House, The
meandering estuaries from 3 major river View Tower (Fig. 3), and a Manmade
systems namely Mahanadi, Brahmani, Park were constructed in due course of
and Hansua, forming low-lying wetlands, time to augment amenities for tourists
mangrove habitats, and deltaic and create better infrastructures for the
formations (Mohantya et al., 2015). Many residents. At present, all the buildings on
ecologically sensitive areas like the shoreline and the park are facing
Bhitarkanika Sanctuary (home to severe threats of inundation due to the
estuarine crocodiles) and Gahirmatha rise in water level and coastal erosion.
Marine Sanctuary (hosting olive ridley The land on which the port's foundation

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stone was laid in the 1960s has vanished, alterations in shoreline configurations
courtesy of the aggressive sea waves. and changes in erosion and accretion
patterns along this specific coastline
(Mahalik et al., 1983).

3.2.2. Actions for reducing erosion

Despite numerous government initiatives
since 2012 aimed at stabilizing the
coastline, coastal communities, including
Paradeep in Odisha, remain significantly
Fig. 3. View Tower, Nehru Park: Paradeep, exposed to the threats of rising sea levels
Orissa, India (Source: Author). and coastal erosion to date. The following
describes these measures in the context of
The area extending from Mahanadi's the principles of salty urbanism.
stone embankment to the fishing jetty is
experiencing continuous erosion, (i) Orissa has largely adopted engineering
resulting in the loss of over 100 acres of structures to combat the threat of coastal
land in the past year. More than 100 trees erosion. Deployment of geosynthetics,
have also been uprooted and washed tube, and sea walls, and break walls are
away due to erosion, which has only some of the steps taken by the
accelerated the process. Cyclonic storms government to mitigate the threats of
and floods further exacerbate the erosion rising sea levels, storm surges, and
of the river bank. There are concerns that erosion. Between 2012 and 2015, Odisha
the View Tower may collapse soon due to implemented its initial geo-synthetic tube
erosion, as a significant part of the tower deployment in response to a devastating
and its restroom area has been swept supercyclone. However, the flawed
away by the sea. Also, formerly, the execution further triggered erosion along
manmade park had a beautiful and the coast and led to the submergence of
vibrant garden with tourist amenities, an an active nesting site for Olive Ridley sea
open-air gymnasium, and areas for turtles.
walking, jogging, picnicking, and parking
vehicles. Regrettably, due to erosion, the Seawalls, despite being discouraged by
sea has engulfed all of these zones the National Green Tribunal, have been
(Gopikrishna and Deo, 2018). constructed in different places on the
Orissan coast including Paradeep.
Scholars from the Indian Institute of Paradeep attempted to reduce erosion by
Technology, Mumbai, India have used building a stone embankment in 1982, but
climate modeling experiments, for a it proved ineffective. As a result, the port
study to simulate the state of Paradeep. authorities have experimented with
The study predicts an increase in the breakwaters and seawalls. Breakwaters
following parameters; wind speed, sand are walls constructed at an angle to the
deposition, wave height, etc. as impacts shore, creating an artificial harbor that
of climate change which may lead to protects an area from wave action and
stronger erosion of the town’s shoreline. provides safe berthing for vessels
The altered wind and wave conditions Paradeep currently has two breakwaters,
will result in the increased suspension of one to the north and the other to the
sediment, leading to significant south, and is constructed an offshore

118
 Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal
Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

breakwater to counter the current authorities are seeking technical

erosion. Paradeep has two breakwaters: assistance to restore the area. Although
one to the north, approximately 500 the construction of these protection
meters in length, and another to the structures has increased the economic
south, approximately 1200 meters long. viability of port operations, it has also
To counter current erosion, the port changed the sediment movement and
authorities are constructing an offshore accretion-erosion patterns accelerating
breakwater that will be 1600 meters long. the latter (Murali et al., 2009; Roy et al.,
2018).
The construction of two breakwaters at
the Paradeep port has led to coastal A notable example of nature-based
erosion due to obstruction to the littoral intervention to control erosion is the
drift. While the southern side has massive mangrove plantation carried
experienced accretion, the northern side near Arakhakuda village in Orissa from
has faced erosion. To counter the erosion, 1994-1999. While mangrove restoration
a sand pump was installed on a trestle and regeneration are globally recognized
constructed south of the south as effective ecosystem-based solutions,
breakwater. The purpose was to pump the trial-and-error method used in this
material accumulating on the southern plantation, covering an unsuitable area,
side to the eroding northern beach. resulted in immature plants unable to
However, the trestle was damaged withstand the impact of supercyclone
during a cyclone in 1972, leading to a Fani, which devastated the region in the
short supply of sand to the northern same year. The indiscriminate plantation
beach and further erosion (Kumar et al., of mangroves without a scientific
2006). assessment of suitability proved
ineffective in erosion control and led to
The seawall of about 5 kilometres in the waste of public money.
length constructed from the root of the
northern breakwater along the coast has 3.2.3. Community participation in coastal
been successful to a certain extent in management
preventing the sea from encroaching on The Orissa State Pollution Control Board
the land, but the reflection of waves has (OSPCB), established in accordance with
caused scouring at the toe of the seawall. the Water (Prevention and Control of
The seawall has also proved Pollution) (Amendment) Act, 1974 by the
maintenance-intensive, as erosion Government of India, initiated its
continues to occur at a rapid rate. The capacity-building journey among coastal
effect of erosion can be seen in the communities in 2010. However, its
deepening/scouring of the coast which approach has been more reactive than
has resulted in shoreward shifting of the - proactive, focusing on surveillance rather
3 meters and -5 meters depth contours. than preventive measures in coastal
The sea wall is currently proving to be environments. The board's activities,
maintenance-intensive. In 2013, the 180- aimed at coastal pollution control,
meter berth inside the Paradeep fishing emphasized the development of
jetty was washed away due to erosion. To surveillance machinery, stricter
prevent further erosion, the Fisheries environmental standards, and
Department has undertaken stone compliance monitoring. At the beginning
packing of the area, and the port of the ICZM initiative, OSCPB presented

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the draft ICZM policy to stakeholders for community in decision-making aspects of

a discussion in a meeting of the Paradeep coastal management including
Environmental and Social Association, addressing coastal erosion is significantly
this was one of its one-of-a-kind absent (Palai and Mandhaniya, 2020).
efforts(Palai and Mandhaniya, 2020).
Also, a lack of resources and coordination
However, the lack of any future effort in between different departments such as
this direction has raised questions about Paradeep Municipality, Fisheries, and
the legitimacy of OSPCB's claim of public Water Resources departments, Marine
participation. Also, the dissemination of Fisheries department, technical review
information and inclusion of the teams, etc. act as a major hindrance at
knowledge of local stakeholders in present for framing coastal erosion
coastal management policies proved to be reduction and arrest policies and their
inadequate over the years, limiting the implementation (Mukhopadhyay et al.,
effectiveness of public participation 2018).
(Behera et al., 2023).
4. Results
OSPCB has also constructed a green This section of the research paper
facility; the center for Management of discusses the findings from the literature
Coastal Ecosystem (CMCE) at Paradeep, review and interviews.
under the Integrated Coastal Zone
Management Project (ICZMP) to raise 4.1. Lessons learned from the literature
awareness about sustainable coastal review
practices. A coastal environmental The study on different aspects of coastal
laboratory at Bhubaneshwar was also set erosion suggests that coastal erosion
up by OSCPB for the analysis of coastal presents various facets, encompassing
samples and providing time series data to root causes, mitigation strategies, and
aid in understanding coastal pollution social implications. As coastal areas
dynamics. confront escalating threats, a nuanced
understanding of these diverse aspects is
In Paradeep, involvement in the essential for promoting resilience and
maintenance of Paradeep ports’ sustainable coastal development (refer to
properties provides livelihood section 2.1).
opportunities to a few local inhabitants
e.g. a woman self-help group called The literature on coastal erosion in the
‘Swarnamayee’ maintains the view tower context of climate change and
in Nehru Park, Paradeep, and associated sustainability stresses the importance of
tourist facilities, providing necessary adopting sustainable strategies for
services to tourists. resilience against coastal erosion and
climate change. It calls for a shift from
Though ICZMP since its inception has unsustainable practices to eco-friendly
been involved in improving the alternatives and emphasizes proactive
livelihood of coastal communities adaptation measures for community
through self-help groups, facilitating viability. Environmental justice
alternative livelihoods through integrated considerations are crucial, ensuring
pisciculture, dairying, and coir-making equitable protection for vulnerable
activities, direct involvement of the communities. A holistic,

120
 Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal
Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

multidisciplinary approach is advocated uncertainties that may arise in the realm

for a comprehensive understanding of of coastal environments in the future
coastal erosion, incorporating ecological (refer to section 2.1.3).
and societal factors. The inference
underscores the necessity of sustainable Literature on community participation in
mitigation strategies for both community the domain of coastal erosion suggests
protection and environmental and social that the participation of the public and
equity (refer to section 2.1.1). coastal communities in coastal
management is significantly
Literature on Coastal erosion protection advantageous, legitimizing social and
measures reiterates that alongside the cultural values, enhancing public
effective and satisfactory coastal understanding of coastal dynamics, risks,
protection structures currently in place, and management processes, facilitating
safeguarding people, assets, and knowledge exchange and co-learning
shorelines from flooding and associated processes, establishing community trust,
risks, the integration of coastal avoiding tension and conflict, and
ecosystems as nature-based solutions is a enhancing public support for coastal
promising, sustainable, and multifaceted hazard adaptation strategies and related
component of coastal protection policies (refer to section 2.1.4).
strategies. This integrated approach is
imperative to harmonize the strengths of The findings of the literature study
both engineered structures and natural outlined above and the principles of salty
ecosystems, ensuring comprehensive urbanism listed in section 2.2
protection that considers ecological and harmoniously align with each other,
societal needs(refer to section 2.1.2 ). affirming the adequacy and
appropriateness of the salty urbanism
The study also calls for adaptive approach in combatting coastal erosion.
approaches and tools in coastal erosion Table 4 presented below elaborates on
management capable of handling the this corroboration:

Table 4. Literature study inferences and principles of salty urbanism: corroboration (Source: Author).
S. Inferences from the literature study Corroboration with salty urbanism principles
No.
1 A holistic understanding of diverse aspects Salty urbanism encompasses a holistic
related to coastal erosion is essential for understanding of the hazard paradigm rooted
addressing it in contextual realities.
2 Eco-friendly erosion protection and proactive The salty urbanism approach integrates
adaptation measures along with consideration of ecological and societal factors and ideals of
environmental justice are required for sustainable environmental justice into coastal management.
and climate-sensitive coastal erosion management
3 Integration of engineering structures and nature- Salty urbanism integrates engineering structure
based solutions based on need assessment is crucial natural processes and ecosystem-based
for framing effective erosion prevention strategies strategies for addressing coastal erosion
4 Adaptive approaches and tools capable of handling Monitoring and adaptability are inherent in
the uncertainties that may arise in the future are salty urbanism projects. The multidisciplinary
important for coastal erosion management and holistic approach facilitates adaptation
5 Participation of the public and coastal Community participation is an inherent aspect
communities in coastal management enhances of salty urbanism
public understanding and public support for
coastal hazard adaptation strategies

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4.2. Lessons learned from the interview development and management projects
Table 5 lists the findings of interviews were identified as limited resources or
conducted with the respondents. capacity, lack of trust in authorities, lack
of awareness, sense of responsibility, and
The majority of respondents believe that interest of community members, coupled
organizing regular community meetings with the absence of a well-defined
and workshops and establishing a framework for community participation
collaborative decision-making process are (Fig. 8). A large number of respondents
the most effective ways of engaging and voted for meaningful community
involving local communities in coastal involvement in decision-making as the
management initiatives (Fig. 8). The most most significant factor, followed by
significant barriers to effective effective communication and outreach
engagement of communities in coastal and innovative design solutions.

Table 5. Community participation in salty urbanism projects (Source: Author).

S.No. Survey Item Response Discussion
Perception of salty urbanism about coastal development and management
86% of the respondents were There is a relatively high level of understanding
Awareness of
aware of the term coastal and recognition of the concept among the
coastal
development and management. interview participants. This suggests that coastal
development
This indicates a relatively high development and management are familiar
1 and
level of understanding and concepts to a majority of the respondents.
management
recognition of the concept While the awareness of salty urbanism is not as
(Fig. 4 and Fig.
among the interview high as that of coastal development and
5)
participants. management, it still represents a significant
66% of the respondents were portion (34%) of the participants who have some
Familiarity with not familiar with the term salty level of knowledge about the concept. This
the term salty urbanism. Portion of the indicates a potential opportunity for education
2
urbanism (Fig. participants who have some and outreach to enhance awareness and
6) level of knowledge about the understanding of salty urbanism among the
concept. surveyed group.
Challenges to coastal communities
45% of respondents identified
Climate change This highlights the recognition of the significant
climate change and sea-level
3 and sea-level impact of these factors on coastal erosion and
rise as the primary challenges
rise other coastal management issues.
facing coastal communities.
This suggests that there is a need for increased
Limited public 25% of respondents mentioned
efforts to raise awareness among the public and
4 awareness and limited public awareness and
encourage their active participation in coastal
engagement engagement as a challenge.
management initiatives.
View on community participation
Barriers/
44% of respondents cited
Challenges nega- Resource mobilization must be treated as an
limited capacity or resource
5 tively affecting important aspect of community-centric coastal
crunch as a major barrier to
community enga- management plans.
community participation.
gement (Fig. 6)
This establishes the importance of encouraging
81% of respondents believed community participation and engagement
Importance of
that community participation is strategies for addressing erosion and other
community
6 extremely important for the coastal management issues. The salty urbanism
participation
success of Coastal Development approach becomes highly appropriate for
(Fig. 7)
and Management projects. addressing coastal erosion as community
participation is one of its basic tenets.

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 Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal
Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

hindrances in the overall development of

the community, local resistance,
community disputes, problems due to a
lack of knowledge, and
misunderstandings. Many times the local
community people are rigid with their
thought processes or their local beliefs
which makes it very difficult to change
and work on the project further.
Fig. 4. Interview Response (Source: Author).

Fig. 8. Interview Response (Source: Author).

Fig. 5. Interview Response (Source: Author).

Monetization and commercialization of

such projects may lead to a competitive
environment, which could cause this field
to become politicized or become a tool to
gain power. This will take away from
social betterment and may cause
environmental degradation and increase
the class divide. Salty urbanism adopts
an interdisciplinary approach with not
only resource-intensive engineering
Fig. 6. Interview Response (Source: Author).
solutions but also advocates nature-based
.
solutions, which are more forthcoming
from the community. This makes it an
appropriate approach to coastal
development and management where
community participation is expected to
play a significant role in success.

Several responses were gathered regarding

Fig. 7. Interview Response (Source: Author). what sustainable coastal development and
management projects should focus on. A
Potential risks and drawbacks associated few are highlighted below:
with community participation processes “It should minimize damage to the
were identified by the respondents. These environment but must also ensure
include politically demotivated and opportunities and benefits for local
bribed community members may create communities.

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Understanding the context with respect to These responses emphasize the significance
not just the environmental issues but also of promoting community involvement in
community dynamics and its effects on the the sustainable development of coastal
feasibility of the developmental processes is areas. Additionally, the other principal
important.” characteristics of salty urbanism presented
“Better infrastructure and safety “ in this paper, such as integration with
“The first and foremost focus should be to natural processes, ecosystem-based
protect the environment and to deal with the approaches, community participation,
rising sea levels by minimizing erosion. monitoring and adaptability, use of
Coastal development and management innovative design, emphasis on
projects should keep in mind marine sustainability, and a multidisciplinary
ecosystems as well as the importance of the approach, are cited as important
ocean for the coastal people. Spreading determinants sustainable coastal urbanism
awareness should be a major part of such
must focus on (Fig. 8).
projects.”
“Socio-economic growth of local communities
5. Discussion
(through capacity building and conscious and
voluntary participation), awareness and The coastal erosion control efforts by the
engagement of local communities for Orissa government demonstrate a lack of
environment conservation must be focused on.“ contextual application of measures. In the
“Educating tourists and others who visit the case of Paradeep, though data related to
coast in other capacities is also important for coasted erosion is available at the state
sustainable coastal development.” and district level; a comprehensive study
“Beach tourism “ listing site-specific causes of erosion,
“Economic growth, social inclusion, specific data about the local coast, and an
Innovative designs to mitigate disaster, and understanding of local challenges and
arrangements for alternative livelihood are opportunities, is notably absent.
very important for the Conservation of the
coastal ecosystem and the promotion of the The theoretical framework of ICZM
sustainable utilization of marine resources.” implementation plans and Enhancing
Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal
These responses highlight the importance Communities (ECRICC) initiative
of minimizing environmental damage undertaken by the state of Orissa are
while also ensuring opportunities and commendable for their commitment to
benefits for local communities. It is environmental justice considerations and
crucial to understand the context not only the integration of ecological and societal
regarding environmental issues but also factors into the coastal management
community dynamics and their effects on framework for resilience against coastal
the feasibility of developmental erosion. However, the challenge lies in the
processes. Other important aspects piecemeal implementation and top-down
include better infrastructure and safety, procedural approach, which does not offer
protecting the environment and dealing adequate attention to vulnerable
with rising sea levels, spreading communities. For example, in some coastal
awareness, socio-economic growth of areas of Orissa, the combined impacts of
local communities through capacity dynamic sea currents, intensified by
building and voluntary participation, and extreme sea level events and cyclones, have
educating tourists and others who visit changed the salinity gradient of local lakes.
the coast. These lakes, which traditionally served as

124
 Community-driven salty urbanism: combating coastal
Urbanism erosion • D. Choudhury

rich reserves of biodiversity, experienced a the integration of sustainability aspects in

reduction in fish catch, resulting in the loss coastal erosion-related risk and hazard
of livelihoods for local communities. documentation and mitigation is largely
Unfortunately, the coastal management absent from scholarly works and policy
strategies implemented by the state documents. This suggests a gap in
government seldom addressed such multidisciplinary collaboration regarding
localized issues, rendering the ideals of the comprehensive understanding and
environmental justice ineffective in practice. management of coastal erosion issues.

Paradeep has so far erected many The level of community participation in

engineering structures to control coastal addressing coastal challenges including
erosion with limited success but has yet coastal erosion is very minimal in
to implement nature-based strategies on a Paradeep. Although the CMCE building
large scale and in an integrated manner. achieved a platinum LEED (Leadership in
Pardeep has also experimented with Energy and Environmental Design)
small-scale mangrove plantations and rating and the coastal environmental
bringing in agricultural reforms to aid laboratory at Bhubaneshwar has
salinity amelioration to reign in coastal produced several valuable research
erosion, but their effectiveness has been publications, they did not aid the
far from making any noticeable impact in advancement of knowledge related to
reducing erosion risk. sustainable coastal management practices
among community members due to
Paradeep has constructed numerous sea limited accessibility and lack of
walls and breakwaters to control erosion. integration in the knowledge
However, these engineering structures dissemination network.
are rigid and lack adaptability.
Furthermore, erosion measures lose their 6. Conclusion
adaptability due to the incremental or In light of the aim to promote the
need-based strategy, which is not favored appropriateness and importance of salty
by the current bureaucratic system that urbanism as a strategic response to
sanctions such measures. Monitoring is coastal erosion hazards, the findings from
piecemeal, and this approach does not the literature review align significantly
support the adaptability of the with the objectives of this paper. The
engineering measures adopted. comprehensive exploration of various
aspects of coastal erosion underscores the
Studies on coastal erosion in Paradeep complex nature of this challenge,
primarily focus on climate data, hazard emphasizing the need for integrated and
data, engineering knowledge for erosion sustainable solutions.
mitigation, agricultural policies for salt
amelioration, hazard forecasting, early The findings affirm that salty urbanism is
warning systems, and the disruption not only an appropriate but also an
caused to the livelihoods of local essential strategy for addressing coastal
communities affected by hazards. erosion hazards. Its alignment with
However, the influence of social and sustainable practices, integration of
cultural peculiarities, urban planning nature-based solutions, adaptability, and
aspects, the potential of community emphasis on community participation
knowledge and participatory realms, and position salty urbanism as a

125
 • Urbanism. Arhitectură. Construcţii • Vol. 15 • Nr. 2 • 2024

comprehensive and effective approach. In Ahmad H. (2019), Bangladesh Coastal Zone

the context of Paradeep, where the study Management Status and Future Trends,
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I would like to express my heartfelt 21953.
Barnett J., O'Neill S. (2012), Islands, resettlement and
gratitude to the management, library
adaptation, Nature Climate Change 2(1): 8-10.
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Management 16(2): 49-71.
Resources departments, the Marine Beatley T. (1999), Green Urbanism: Learning from
Fisheries Department, Government of European Cities, Island Press, New York
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doing the case study. Last, but not the Beatley T. (2014), Blue Urbanism: Exploring
Connections Between Cities and Oceans,
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Island Press, New York City, NY, USA.
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meticulously respond to our survey of water quality and sediment nature on
questions, which helped me to macrobenthic community structure along
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tropical coastal stretch of North East coast of
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Received: 6 August 2023 • Revised: 3 January 2024 • Accepted: 21 January 2024

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