Paulo Baganha, a researcher at CESAM/DAO, took part in the initiative “Voices that Protect”, part of the Estudo Autónomo project — a series of interviews that gives a voice to specialists working to promote safer and more resilient communities.
A specialist in coastal monitoring and morphodynamic analysis, Paulo Baganha conducts research in the fields of remote sensing, video monitoring systems, and the assessment of vulnerability and risk in coastal areas. As part of his contribution to this initiative, he addressed the main factors behind coastal erosion in Portugal, the regions most affected, the consequences for communities and infrastructure, and the management options available.
During the interview, the researcher began by clarifying the concept of coastal erosion, defining it as an imbalance in the coastal system caused by the inability to retain sediments, whether in dunes or on emerged and submerged beaches. Among the main causes, he highlighted both natural and human factors, stressing the impact of dam construction throughout the twentieth century, which significantly reduced the supply of sediments to coastal systems.
In the national context, he identified the sectors most affected by erosion, including the coastline north of the River Douro (namely the Ofir sector), the stretch between Cortegaça and Furadouro, the Costa Nova–Praia de Mira section, Costa de Lavos and Leirosa, Costa da Caparica, and areas of the Ria Formosa. In some cases, average retreat rates may reach several metres per year. He further explained that low-lying sandy coasts, particularly those directly exposed to wave action, tend to show greater vulnerability.
Regarding the consequences, he noted that coastal erosion can result in overtopping, flooding, and the destruction of infrastructure, particularly along exposed urban fronts. In this context, he distinguished three key concepts: susceptibility (the natural predisposition of the system), vulnerability (the degree of potential loss associated with elements present in the territory), and risk (which arises when people or assets are exposed).
Paulo Baganha also emphasised the role of climate change, particularly sea-level rise, which has been accelerating erosive processes and intensifying the impacts associated with storms. According to him, even seemingly moderate increases in mean sea level can significantly amplify the effects of wave action in coastal areas.
With regard to solutions, he outlined three main approaches: not intervening and accepting the natural evolution of the coastline; planning the withdrawal or relocation of infrastructure; or protecting urban areas through defence structures and artificial beach nourishment. He stressed that, following Storm Hercules (2014), coastal management policy in Portugal has increasingly prioritised artificial nourishment interventions in the most critical sectors.
Finally, he highlighted the importance of coastal literacy, arguing that education and the involvement of young people are crucial for achieving more sustainable management of coastal territories in the future.
The full interview video can be viewed here.
Associated educational resources and teaching activities are available here.