This work assesses the level and role of management and the morphological status of coastal dunes in Catalonia and Valencia. Ten beach-dune systems were studied to determine how management actions influence their morphological status. Results show two main groups: those without sustainable management, in an advanced erosive state, and those where sustainable management was applied, presenting good conservation status.

The Gloria storm affected the Catalan coast between January 19th and 23rd, 2020. The study characterizes the wave climate and the prior morphodynamic conditions, compiles the most notable impacts, and proposes the need for a shift in coastal management towards an ecosystem-based approach.

The dune system of La Pletera has been studied using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to assess the effects of sand traps and revegetation. The volumetric data obtained from UAV RGB sensors was compared with data from the previous Lidar flight.

The patterns of use and frequentation of beaches are a useful tool in coastal management and planning. The aim of this article is to apply the methodology for the analysis of physical carrying capacity in 16 beaches of the island of Menorca, based on the values in m²/user recommended in 2000. A multi-temporal analysis of the evolution of the beaches is carried out using qualitative variables that allow obtaining the trends of the beaches with parameters that analyze their management and occupation (2000-2017). The results obtained show that the beaches have acceptable carrying capacities and that environmental management, their publicity, and the services provided condition their spatio-temporal evolution. The methodology allows establishing future scenarios through the use of the analyzed variables.

This study analyzes the historical transformation and current situation of the dune landscape in Catalonia.

This study analyzes geohistorical sources to understand coastal management of Sant Pere Pescador beach in the Gulf of Roses.

This study analyzes the evolution of the beach-dune systems in the Balearic Islands from 2000 to 2021, focusing on their geomorphological management.

This article updates the floristic knowledge of the species that colonize the beaches and dunes of the Catalan coast. The study identifies typical species of these habitats, as well as those restricted to dunes. A total of 87 dune systems were sampled, identifying 224 species, of which 87 are considered typical of beach and dune habitats, and 34 are exclusive to these environments. The presence of exotic species reflects human impact on these ecosystems.

The current sanitary crisis caused by the rapid expansion of COVID-19 offered the possibility of giving respite to dune systems and allowing their natural regeneration after the effects of storm Gloria. This storm affected the Levantine and Balearic coasts between January 21 and 23, and when some systems began to recover, intensive coastal management again compromised the integrity of dune systems. The urgency to have the systems "ready" for consumption and exploitation moves away from the concept of sustainable tourism management and does not contribute to climate change adaptation. In this work, et points out some management actions on emerged beaches that have taken place during lockdown and deconfinement. The study focus on three management actions that reveal malpractice, such as leveling and mechanical cleaning, the construction of breakwaters, and the removal of Posidonia oceanica. For this, several case studies representing some of the best-preserved beach-dune systems in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands have been chosen.

The study focuses on floristic diversity and impacts on dune systems along the Catalan coast. Twenty-one dune-restricted plant species were identified as indicators of ecological integrity. A new index was applied to measure species diversity relative to total site biodiversity. Results indicate that dunes with less human activity retain more native species.