Climate change is leading to sea level rise at the current rate of approximately 3 mm (0.1 inch) per year.

A 1-meter rise in sea level could cause a retreat of shoreline of 100-200 meters.

Expected impacts of Sea Level Rise

• salt water intrusion into cultivated land
• reduction of per capita land availability
• encroachment of the coastal community into agricultural lands
• salinization of river and ground water
• disturbance of the interface between fresh and brackish water

• buffer against and lessen the dangers from expected increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes and cyclones
• secure the coast against erosion.

Coastal human settlements

Human populations along the coastlines have increased and today, nearly 1/2 of humankind lives in coastal cities and settlements. Populations in Asia are most at risk from rising sea levels and more intense storms.

One in 10 people, mainly in Asia, live in highly vulnerable coastal areas, according to a 2007 international study.

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Mass evacuations of millions of coastal residents are expected to occur within the next 50 years as sea levels continue to rise.

Evacuations of low-lying islands have already begun in S. Asia and the S. Pacific Islands.

Mangrove Migration

Mangroves will be permanently submerged and drowned under rising tides unless they too have lands behind them to escape to when the rising sea levels force them upland.

Plans are needed to establish and preserve a buffer behind the mangroves where they can “migrate” to re-establish themselves above the rising low tide mark.

Massive amounts of development happening behind the mangroves, including roadways, shrimp farms, industrial complexes, hotels, and urban centers add to this challenge.

MAP is working to conserve and restore protective mangrove greenbelts as the first line of defense against rising sea levels.