The Value of Reefs for Protecting the Most Vulnerable Populations in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Grenada
This report assesses how coral reefs reduce coastal flooding and protect vulnerable populations in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Grenada. Using hydrodynamic and socioeconomic models, it quantifies avoided damages to people and property while demonstrating the value of nature based solutions for climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and resilience planning.
Subject Tags
- Climate adaptation
- Reefs
- Nature-based solutions
Executive Summary
This report evaluates the role of coral reefs in protecting vulnerable coastal communities from flooding in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Grenada. Using hydrodynamic flood models and socioeconomic data, the study compares flood risks under current reef conditions with scenarios where reef height and roughness are reduced. The analysis demonstrates that reefs provide substantial protection by reducing coastal flooding, preventing property damage, and safeguarding vulnerable populations during storm events. Reefs annually avert an estimated $96 million in property damages in the Dominican Republic, $46 million in Jamaica, and $4 million in Grenada. The findings also show that reefs protect thousands of vulnerable people from flooding, with benefits varying depending on how social vulnerability is assessed. By combining flood risk modeling with measures of poverty and vulnerability, the study highlights where reef conservation and restoration can deliver the greatest social benefits. The report concludes that coral reefs are critical nature based solutions that strengthen climate resilience, reduce disaster risk, support livelihoods, and complement traditional coastal protection measures. Maintaining and restoring healthy reef ecosystems should therefore be a priority within national adaptation, disaster risk management, and coastal resilience strategies, particularly for Small Island Developing States.
TNC Authors
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Valerie McNulty
Conservation Scientist. Caribbean
The Nature Conservancy
Email: valerie.mcnulty@tnc.org -
Steve Schill
Director of Science and Strategy
The Nature Conservancy
Email: sschill@tnc.org -
Michael W. Beck
The Nature Conservancy -
Montserrat Acosta
The Nature Conservancy