The Risk Reduction Benefits of Coral Reefs and Dunes in the Mexican Caribbean

Abstract

Coral reefs and dune systems provide substantial risk reduction benefits to people and property, and the loss of just one meter of reef crest or dune height can significantly increase risk. Coral reef and dune conservation and restoration could, therefore, be an important part of the solution for reducing risks from natural hazards in Quintana Roo and around the globe.

This report provides a social and economic valuation of the protection provided by reefs and dunes to people, infrastructure and the tourism industry in Quintana Roo to inform coastal development policies and practices in the Mesoamerican Reef. This information is relevant to the tourism, real estate, risk reduction, and conservation sectors as they seek to identify sustainable and cost-effective approaches for risk reduction.