Systematisation of techniques for a holistic solution to reducing the vulnerability of coastal areas to water level fluctuations

The article examines the issue of a holistic solution for reducing the vulnerability of coastal urban areas to water level fluctuations. Based on an analysis of examples from global, French, and Ukrainian practice, it generalises and proposes an original systematisation of defined techniques to mitigate the vulnerability of coastal urban areas to water level fluctuations. The systematisation was conducted for three identified hierarchical system levels of coastal area organisation: urban planning, object, and environmental design levels. It also incorporates four generalised strategies – prevention, control, adaptation, and resilience – aimed at addressing the risks associated with water level fluctuations. An original matrix of 24 systematised techniques is proposed, whose combinations will ensure a holistic solution to the problem. A combination of 12 systematised techniques has been identified that can effectively enhance the existing situation in Gruissan, a coastal city in the south of France, to mitigate the risks and negative impacts of flooding in its coastal areas. The implemented example of adapting flooded areas along the coast of Gruissan Pond to meet the modern needs of the city, its residents, and tourists serves as a practical illustration of the proposed theoretical studies.