Analysis of the diversity and complexity of the coastal landscape, resulting from the interaction between natural and human processes.

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 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 study analyzes changes in the forest landscape of the Costa Brava over the past century through the comparison of historical and contemporary photographs. The results show a significant increase in forest cover, with the recovery of pine and oak forests, while agricultural areas have declined. This suggests a shift in land use and in the tourist perception of the landscape.

This study provides an overview of the last 40 years of use, and in many cases abuse, of natural resources in Catalonia, with proposals for sustainable management.

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 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.

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

This study analyzes the sediment loss associated with the removal of Syringodium filiforme berms from 10 beaches in the Dominican Republic. The results show that approximately 63.8% of the removed volume corresponds to interspersed sediment. This type of management has a continuous morphological impact, affecting the stability of the system's sediment balance.

This study analyzes the impact of the distribution of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) on the beaches of the Dominican Republic and its relationship with coastal erosion and the dynamics of beach-dune systems. A total of 31 beach-dune systems were compared using 17 qualitative variables to assess the influence of palm trees planted for agricultural or touristic purposes on beach morphology, anthropic occupation, and dynamics. The results indicate that beaches with palm trees planted for touristic purposes exhibit higher compaction, slumping, and erosion, as well as lower resilience in the beach-dune system. These beaches also have a higher presence of tourist complexes, mechanical cleaning, and removal of vegetal debris, which contributes to the alteration of the beach profile and native vegetation. Palm trees can also act as wave flow accelerators, exacerbating sediment loss and increasing the risk of the palms themselves falling, which entails personal risks. It is concluded that the removal of coconut palms and comprehensive beach restoration, including the recovery of dune fronts and associated vegetation, are necessary actions to improve the stability and dynamics of Dominican coasts. Furthermore, the importance of developing planning and management strategies that promote the conservation and restoration of beach-dune systems in touristic and agricultural areas is suggested.