Specific risks of coastal regions and small islands

• © UNESCO/Jasmina Sopova
• The coast of Mauritius

Half of humanity lives within 100 kilometres of a sea coast or a sea-navigable waterway while of the world's 10 largest cities, eight are located on the coast.

Small island developing States are located among the most vulnerable regions in the world in relation to the intensity and frequency of natural and environmental disasters and their increasing impact, and face disproportionately high economic, social and environmental consequences.

Coastal regions and small islands are at particular risk from a wide range of natural hazards, including tropical storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. The impacts range from property damage and food and water contamination to habitat destruction and loss of life. The economic consequences of these impacts can be severe, and to the fragile economies of developing nations, crippling.
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