世界发展银行-The-Cost-of-Coastal-Zone-Degradation-in-Georgia---A-Tool-for-the-Coastal-Zone-Adaptation-and-the-Nationally-Determined-Contributions_44页_3mb

Summary of "The Cost of Coastal Zone Degradation in Georgia"

Core Content

This report, The Cost of Coastal Zone Degradation in Georgia, is a World Bank publication that quantifies the economic impacts of environmental degradation in Georgia's coastal zone. It serves as a tool for coastal zone adaptation and supports the development of Georgia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the National Action Plan for Adapting to Impacts of Climate Change in the Coastal Zone of Georgia (CZ-NAP). The study estimates the cost of environmental degradation in 2017, focusing on pollution, flooding, coastal erosion, and agricultural and forest degradation in eight coastal municipalities.

Main Causes and Costs

The report identifies the main causes of environmental degradation and their associated economic costs:

• Fluvial Flooding: Estimated at $56 million annually, accounting for 2.8% of the coastal GDP in 2017.
• Coastal Erosion: Estimated at $7 million annually, accounting for 0.35% of the coastal GDP.
• Waste Pollution: Estimated at $2.5 million annually, accounting for 0.13% of the coastal GDP.
• Agricultural Soil and Forest Degradation: Combined cost of $4 million annually, accounting for 0.2% of the coastal GDP.

These costs are expressed in 2017 prices and reflect the absolute monetary value and relative percentage of GDP.

Key Environmental Issues

Pollution

• Water Pollution: A significant contributor to environmental degradation, with the report emphasizing the need for improved waste management.
• Waste Pollution: Mainly caused by uncollected and improperly disposed municipal waste, leading to loss of property values.

Flooding

• Fluvial Flooding: Caused by river overflows and exacerbated by climate change and the installation of barriers like dams.
• Coastal Flooding: The cost estimates are imprecise and not included in the final calculation due to data limitations.

Coastal Erosion

• Sea Level Rise (SLR) and strong wave action are key drivers of coastal erosion.
• The installation of man-made barriers, such as dams, has reduced sediment transport to the coast, worsening erosion.
• Coastal erosion is expected to accelerate due to climate change and socio-economic development.

Agricultural and Forest Degradation

• Agricultural Soil Degradation: Leads to a loss of crop productivity, with an annual cost of $1.2 to $2.4 million.
• Forest Degradation: Driven by the use of firewood from public forests, costing $2.1 million annually.
• Both types of degradation reduce ecosystem services and natural resource availability.

Methodology and Limitations

• The report uses benefit transfer and restoration cost methods for valuation.
• Data limitations due to time and resource constraints are acknowledged.
• The estimates are based on methodological differences and data availability, so direct comparisons between impact areas are not possible.
• The study provides an order of magnitude of the COED for selected areas, rather than exact figures.

Climate Change Impacts

• Climate change is expected to exacerbate the cost of environmental degradation.
• Rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather events will worsen water and waste pollution.
• Sea Level Rise (SLR) and increased disaster risks will intensify coastal flooding and erosion.
• The report highlights the need for proactive investments in flood protection and climate resilience, particularly in agriculture and power generation.

Recommendations

• Coastal zone development plans should address diverse environmental issues to reduce natural hazard impacts and economic losses.
• The NDC-SF (Nationally Defined Contribution – Support Facility) supports the implementation of CZ-NAP, which aims to build resilient coastal communities.
• The use of green and grey infrastructure is recommended to manage flood risk and coastal erosion.
• Strengthening waste management and improving disposal and treatment practices can mitigate the long-term effects of pollution.
• The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to protect the coastal zone.

Conclusion

The economic cost of coastal zone degradation in Georgia is substantial, equivalent to 5% of the coastal GDP in 2017. This cost is expected to increase in the future due to climate change and continued socio-economic development. The report serves as a foundation for policy-making and adaptation strategies aimed at reducing environmental damage and enhancing the resilience of coastal areas. It also underscores the role of the NDC-SF and the CZ-NAP in achieving sustainable development goals in Georgia.