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Kerala, with its long and densely populated coastline, faces increasing threats from climate-induced hazards such as cyclones, storm surges, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion. This thesis explores the concept of coastal vulnerability in Kerala and evaluates the effectiveness of resilience-based approaches to climate adaptation. Drawing from both secondary data and case-specific literature, the study compares mangrove-buffered and non-mangrove coastal areas, with special focus on the impact of Cyclone Tauktae (2021), to understand how ecological buffers, institutional frameworks, and community-based strategies contribute to adaptive resilience. The research is grounded in the theoretical framework of social-ecological resilience and integrates principles from climate adaptation literature, coastal zone management, and disaster risk reduction. It highlights the multidimensional nature of vulnerability—encompassing exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity—and uses a comparative analysis to illustrate how ecosystems like mangroves play a critical role in mitigating disaster impacts. The thesis also evaluates the policy landscape in Kerala, including the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification, and post-disaster programs like the Rebuild Kerala Initiative (RKI).
Findings indicate that mangrove ecosystems significantly enhance physical protection, reduce fatalities and infrastructure damage during cyclones, and promote long-term sustainability through ecosystem services. However, institutional gaps, land-use pressures, and limited community engagement continue to challenge the effectiveness of adaptation efforts. The thesis underscores the importance of integrating ecological restoration with community-based early warning systems, participatory governance, and inclusive planning to enhance resilience.
This research contributes to the academic and policy discourse on climate adaptation in coastal regions by providing a region-specific analysis of vulnerability and resilience in Kerala. It advocates for mainstreaming ecosystem-based adaptation into state-level planning and recommends policy coherence, enhanced funding mechanisms, and public awareness as critical enablers of resilient coastal development. Through its interdisciplinary lens, the study reaffirms that Kerala’s adaptation strategy must move beyond reactive responses toward proactive, integrated, and inclusive models that balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development.
