Coastal Erosion Threatens South Africa's Shoreline and Ecosystems
Coastal erosion is increasingly impacting South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape coastlines, as rising sea levels and severe storm surges continue to erode natural barriers. According to Cobus Meiring, chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee, the damage is both visible and measurable, posing a significant threat to thousands of properties along the 3,000 km coastline. The Garden Route District Municipality highlights that the erosion affects 290 estuaries and 42 micro-estuaries, stretching from the Orange River to Kosi Bay. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research attributes the erosion to the combined effects of waves, tides, and rising sea levels, with the most severe damage occurring during storms. This ongoing issue has prompted local authorities to prioritize coastal degradation in their planning efforts, focusing on relocating infrastructure to safer areas. 
