Conservation and Sustainability of Coastal City Tourism In the Advent of Seal Level Rise in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Given the socioeconomic significance of oceans in South Africa and the threat of climate change, it is vital to understand the effects on coastlines and tourism. With very little known about the implications of sea level rise in Southern Africa, this study investigates its impact on tourism and conservation of coastlines in Durban, South Africa. The study conducted in 2021 used primary data collected through key informant interviews ( n = 10), an online questionnaire (303), direct field observations, and archival data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Trend analysis for climate data was done using Mann Kendal Trend Analysis, while the content and thematic analysis were used to assess qualitative data. The study found that the compounded effect of sea level rise of 1.49 mm/year in Durban between 1971 and 2018 poses a threat to the beach and coastal tourism. The compounded impact of sea level rise, sea surges, coastal storms, and high tides often results in high levels of beach erosion and coastal flooding, threatening tourism infrastructure. The municipality has embarked on a beach nourishment program, dune restoration, and coastal defense mechanisms to preserve and conserve the beachfront to ensure coastal tourism sustainability.