Rabat – As the world grapples with the gloomy reality of the climate crisis, coastal erosion is forecasted to hit several beaches worldwide, including Morocco, which finds itself at the forefront of the coastal crisis, indicated travel website Hawaiian Islands in a recent study.
The report indicated that a total of five Moroccan beaches have featured among Africa’s top 15 most vulnerable coastal destinations predicted to suffer severe shoreline shrinkage by the year 2100.
Ranking fourth on the list, Morocco’s Taghazout Beach is expected to witness a loss of 172.4 meters of its shoreline.
Meanwhile, Essaouira Beach, which ranks seventh on the list, is projected to shrink by 135.4 meters, followed by Sidi Bouzid Beach which faces an estimated shrinkage of 113.8 meters.
Tanger’s iconic beach comes in the 14th spot with the threat of losing 73.5 meters of its coastline, while Saidia beach, the last on the list, is at risk of losing 69.4 meters of its shoreline.
The report warned that “around two-thirds of Moroccan beaches are in danger of erosion,” notably Tangier, which is forecasted to lose 99.9% of its port infrastructure and 63% of its industrial zone by 2100.
Read also: World Bank: Moroccan Cities Are Increasingly ‘Vulnerable’ to Climate Change
The report added that “Nigerian and Moroccan beaches account for more than half of the African tourist beaches likely to be worst hit by rising sea levels.”
Four Nigerian beaches featured in the list, with the country’s Landmark Beach estimated to suffer the most significant loss of shoreline in Africa and worldwide (918.3 meters).
The second spot on Africa’s list went to Mozambique’s Praia Da Costa Do Sol beach, which is expected to lose 453.4 meters of shoreline. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Entry of Elegushi Beach is the third most vulnerable African beach on the list, predicted to shrink by 338 meters.
The report warned about the looming consequences of climate change, saying that “shrinking beaches make for a stark visual reminder of what we are to lose without dramatic efforts from global powers.”
Losing these sandy heavens extends far beyond aesthetics and tourism appeal, added the report, stressing that they represent a “dynamic ecosystem” that is vital for the livelihoods of coastal communities.
