MedSeaRise Methodology for Sea Level Rise Impact Assessment
The MedSeaRise methodology, developed through the Euro-MED Study Project, is designed to effectively integrate sea level rise scenarios into climate change impact assessments. This methodology evaluates risks and impacts of rising sea levels on coastal areas, focusing on the uncertainty in data.
How It Works – Tivat Salina Montenegro
The MedSeaRise methodology enables a systematic assessment of risks associated with sea level rise in the context of climate change, for example, and its approach can be directly applied to the Tivat Salina area to evaluate the effects on the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
For Tivat Salina, the study assesses risks from sea level rise, temperature increases, and salinity changes. It focuses on fish, nesting and migratory birds, reptiles, and small mammals living there. Conservationists emphasize preserving bird habitats and halophytic vegetation.
The case study analyzes habitat types, salinity, vegetation, and species in Tivat Salina. Since it is a low-lying coastal ecosystem, even small sea level rises can significantly impact its structure and function. The results show possible impact ranges from minimal to severe. They include habitat degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased saltwater intrusion into the soil.
Furthermore, the results are linked to GWL (e.g., +1.5°C, +2°C, +3°C), illustrating how different levels of climate change would affect the state of the Tivat Salina ecosystem.
Benefits of Applying the MedSeaRise Methodology
Applying the MedSeaRise methodology reveals that climate change directly threatens Tivat Salina, a sensitive and valuable ecosystem directly threatened by climate change, particularly by sea level rise and salinity alteration. The methodology helps decision-makers to:
– Timely identification of risks,
– Planning of adaptation measures (e.g., habitat conservation, water regime management),
– Involvement of the local community and experts in the decision-making process.
Conclusion
The MedSeaRise methodology provides a structured framework to assess the risks of sea level rise in the context of climate change. Through its use of data, simulation tools, and stakeholder feedback, it enables a comprehensive evaluation of coastal impacts, ensuring that decision-makers have the necessary information to take informed action.
