The DIBA: a dynamic assessment tool for beach quality in protected areas

Identifier:  imarina:5132279

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina5132279

Authors:  Serrano Gine, David; Perez Albert, Yolanda; Bonfill Cervero, Carla

Abstract:
The Dynamic Index for Beaches in protected areas (DIBA) is introduced as a dynamic method for evaluating the quality of beaches in protected areas. The aim of this dynamic approach is to assess quality on a weekly basis so that different scores may be obtained throughout the bathing season. The index is made up of three sub-indices encompassing the main concerns regarding beaches in protected areas, i.e. the environment, landscape and recreation. These sub-indices consist of nine indicators and four sub-indicators; seven parameters are recorded yearly and the rest weekly. The procedure is tested at four selected beaches on Spain's Mediterranean coast and gives good overall scores although these decrease throughout the bathing season, mainly due to a high beach users frequentation. The DIBA is a useful tool for managers of beaches and protected areas because it can be used to characterize and compare beaches. With minor adjustments, this procedure may be applied to other beaches in protected areas in the Mediterranean basin.