Abstract

There is rising sea-level, intense storms, and subsequent shore erosion, which are threatening human settlement and essential ecological regions that are being experienced in the world. This study focuses on the intricacy of aquatic ecosystem services (AES), such as those provided by mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs, as a Nature-based Solution (NbS) to coastal protection and biodiversity. When compared to the traditional (usually grey) infrastructure (i.e., seawalls), the living systems are dynamic and self-restoring (dissipating wave energy and stabilizing sediment) and therefore would be valuable as critical natural resources. Besides, they will provide much-needed nurseries and habitats that will play a specific role in the conservation and increase of the aquatic biodiversity. The work summarizes the existing knowledge on the ecological and engineering functions of desirable coastal ecosystems and concludes the study with a thought on how to integrate ecological indicators of wellness within the coastal management and planning procedure. One of the fundamental principles of this undertaking is that there is an inherent co-benefit of increased biodiversity associated with the process of maximizing the coastal protection service, shifting towards a multi-oriented erosion control policy to a multi-focused ecosystem management (EBM) policy. Findings emphasize the economic and ecological need to adopt the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems as a key approach to climate change response, which provides sustainable resistance to coastal hazards. This study proposes policy changes where the duality of AES's role in ensuring security of the coast and ecological wellbeing is formally recognized and financially appreciated.

Keywords: Ecosystem services, Coastal erosion, Biodiversity, Nature-based solutions, Coastal resilience, Mangroves, Climate change adaptationEcosystem services, Coastal erosion, Biodiversity, Nature-based solutions, Coastal resilience, Mangroves, Climate change adaptation