Overview of erosion and beach quality issues in three Southern European countries: Portugal, Spain and Italy

Abstract Climate change and intensive coastal development place beaches under significant pressures, both natural and anthropogenic. Coastal erosion and deterioration of beach quality decrease the attractiveness of coastal areas leading to economic impacts. The societal response to these issues has resulted in application of hard/soft engineering methods to mitigate erosion and provision of quality awards to support the recreational beach value. This paper reviews the approaches to erosion and beach quality issues in three Southern European (Portugal, Spain and Italy) countries, discusses effectiveness of the approaches, and analyses the impacts of applied approaches on environmental quality and human welfare. An analysis of used management approaches demonstrates the inefficiency of hard measures to stop erosion and their negative impact on environmental quality. Such management approaches have been used as an emergency response to problems, and were not supported by the adequate knowledge of possible consequences. In contrast, successful experiences in application of soft methods allowed preservation of the natural status of beaches and improvement of tourism quality. Beach quality awards allowed to fulfil tourism requirements and promoted a good image of beaches. Examples of good and bad practices contribute to proper onsite management, and thereby encourage sustainable development of coastal areas.