Evaluating the Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Storm Surges on Seychelles' Critical Infrastructure

Abstract

It is well known that low-lying coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to changes in sea level and storm surges. Nevertheless, speciic impacts on particular geographies, namely the Indian Ocean region, remain unclear. The Seychelles, a small island developing state, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts. This project aims to narrow the existing knowledge gap on potential impacts of sea level rise and storm surges on critical infrastructure. To carry this out, a literature review was completed to understand the current state of critical infrastructure and adaptation in the Seychelles. Stakeholder interviews were conducted with government oicials, local and international nongovernmental organizations, and private sector parties to understand the social, economic, and cultural importance and vulnerability of critical infrastructure. In addition, interviews assessed current adaptation strategies to protect this infrastructure and barriers to implementing those measures. Historical sea level data was combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to generate a hazard map illustrating the geographic distribution of sea level rise and storm surge impacts on the main island of Mahé. These maps, along with images and interview indings were compiled in an ESRI-hosted, interactive Story Map. The report concludes with a list of recommendations to better protect the Seychelles’ critical infrastructure from sea level rise and storm surges. The inal report will become part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative (LAKI) where it will serve to guide not only the Seychelles Government’s approach to climate change adaptation but also other island nations facing similar climate risks.