Assessing the Vulnerability of Blue Tourism Sites to Coastal Flooding on the Atlantic Shores of Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

Coastal flooding, exacerbated by climate change, poses a critical threat to the burgeoning "blue tourism" sector in coastal states worldwide. This paper expands on a previous assessment of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, by incorporating a global comparative analysis to develop a more robust framework for vulnerability assessment and climate-resilient development. The study assesses the physical and socio-economic vulnerabilities of key tourism sites, such as Ibeno Beach, against the backdrop of international experiences from the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and other parts of Africa. Instead, successful international models leverage a combination of green and gray infrastructure, innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs), and community-led adaptation strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach with primary data from Akwa Ibom and secondary data from global case studies, this paper proposes a holistic vulnerability assessment model and a strategic blueprint for sustainable blue tourism in the region. The findings demonstrate that by learning from international best practices, Akwa Ibom can transition from a reactive to a proactive stance, enhancing its resilience, protecting its natural heritage, and securing its economic future as a premier coastal tourism destination.