Coastal Erosion

We could not have been more mesmerized and awed by the magnificent white fine sandy beaches of Bahia. Coconut trees are to be found everywhere, inland as well as along all its beaches.

However, today in Bahia as in other parts of the world, one can clearly see the effects of rising sea level. Areas considered beyond and above the highest tides some 25 years ago, are now susceptible to invasion by waves during storms and subsequent erosion,

This erosion has an effect on people, the economy, land occupation and the environment. Desperate measures taken by residents north of Salvador are relatively futile. As the coast is eroded, coconut trees, houses, boat sheds, seaside bars and restaurants all are taken up by the sea. Even sea turtle nests must be moved to higher ground!

Can man revert this trend?

Or will this be one more of his destructive footprints on the planet?