What does managed retreat in coastal management entail?

Managed retreat in coastal management involves intentionally allowing coastal erosion to occur in a controlled manner. This strategy aligns with the understanding that some coastal areas are at a high risk of flooding and erosion, and rather than expending resources on hard engineering solutions like seawalls, which may not be sustainable in the long term, managed retreat focuses on relocating human activities and infrastructure away from vulnerable areas. This approach can eventually lead to the restoration of natural ecosystems and can provide space for sediments to accumulate, which may assist in adapting to rising sea levels.

In contrast, constructing seawalls aims to create barriers against the sea and does not incorporate the concept of retreat. Similarly, inundating low-lying areas with water does not accurately represent managed retreat, as this could imply a more permanent loss of land rather than an adaptive, strategic response. Reinforcing natural habitats with artificial barriers also does not align with managed retreat, as it emphasizes protection rather than the idea of moving back and allowing the coastline to evolve naturally.