Managing beyond ecosystem limits at the land-sea interface: The case of sandy beaches

Sandy beaches are part of an integral social-ecological system whose management has to encompass the natural and societal features of the catchment and the adjacent marine area, as well as the beach itself. Using a multi-use and complex beach system in Uruguay, the La Coronilla and Barra del Chuy resort, we interrogate those natural and societal features by employing the DAPSI(W)R(M) cause-consequence-response cycle and pathways. This identifies the Drivers, Activities, Pressures, State change on the natural system, Impacts (on the Welfare of the human system), and the Responses (requiring management Measures). We contend that this approach is needed for the sustainable development and use of this ecosystem and its biodiversity protection. This also indicates the importance of a holistic and systems approach, which is necessary, valid and valuable for sandy beaches worldwide.

Automated summary

Sandy beaches are an integral part of social-ecological systems and their management should consider both natural and societal factors. This study uses the DAPSI(W)R(M) cause-consequence-response cycle and pathways to analyze the natural and societal features of a complex beach system in Uruguay. The results highlight the importance of a holistic and systems approach for the sustainable development and biodiversity protection of sandy beaches worldwide.