Maria Snoussi

Bio: Maria Snoussi is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Climate change & Coastal hazards. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 374 citations.

Climate change and interconnected risks to sustainable development in the Mediterranean

Abstract: Recent accelerated climate change has exacerbated existing environmental problems in the Mediterranean Basin that are caused by the combination of changes in land use, increasing pollution and declining biodiversity. For five broad and interconnected impact domains (water, ecosystems, food, health and security), current change and future scenarios consistently point to significant and increasing risks during the coming decades. Policies for the sustainable development of Mediterranean countries need to mitigate these risks and consider adaptation options, but currently lack adequate information — particularly for the most vulnerable southern Mediterranean societies, where fewer systematic observations schemes and impact models are based. A dedicated effort to synthesize existing scientific knowledge across disciplines is underway and aims to provide a better understanding of the combined risks posed.

Effects of Land Use/Land Cover Changes on Carbon Storage in North African Coastal Wetlands

Abstract: Healthy wetlands are among the most effective sinks for carbon on the planet, and thus contribute to mitigate climate change. However, in North Africa, coastal wetlands are under high pressure especially from urban sprawl and tourism development, due to the rapid population growth and migration. This paper analyzed the effects of land use/land cover changes on carbon stocks, over 20 years, in six North African coastal wetlands, and estimated the economic value of the carbon sequestered during the considered period. The methodology used combined remote sensing and modeling. The results showed that among the six studied sites, only two (Moulouya and Moulay Bouselham) showed an increase in stored carbon and therefore are potential carbon sinks. In turn, the other four showed a more or less significant loss of carbon, which will likely be released into the atmosphere. The underlying processes that drive changes in carbon dynamics are mainly urban expansion and land use conversion, which often occurs at the expense of the natural habitats surrounding the wetlands. Understanding these processes can provide valuable decision-making information for land use planning, wetlands conservation and carbon reduction policies.

MedECC 2020 Summary for Policymakers

Abstract: Virtually all sub-regions of the Mediterranean Basin, on land and in the sea, are impacted by recent anthropogenic changes in the environment. The main drivers of change include climate (temperature, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, extreme events, sea-level rise, sea water temperature, salinity and acidification), population increase, pollution, unsustainable land and sea use practices and non-indigenous species. In most areas, both natural ecosystems and human livelihoods are affected. Due to global and regional trends in the drivers, impacts will be exacerbated in the coming decades, especially if global warming exceeds 1.5 to 2°C above the pre-industrial level. Significantly enhanced efforts are needed in order to adapt to inevitable changes, mitigate change drivers and increase resilience.

Climate risk assessment of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima coastal Region (Morocco)

Abstract: Coastal zones occupy a prominent position in the sustainable management perspective of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (TTA) region because they accommodate a majority of the region’s population and contribute to the economic wellbeing of local communities. High demographic and economic pressures associated to climatic and environmental factors increase and intensify the vulnerability of these coastal areas. The latter are severely affected by climate change implications in the course of time, which lead to damage and loss in coastal low-lying zones. In practice, the risks related to climate change, as coastal risks, are frequently addressed, and assessing coastal risk in the context of climate change is a research priority. The aim of this work is to evaluate the flooding risk of TTA coasts, taking into account the inundation level related to the conditions of extreme wave (return period of 100-year) and extreme sea level rise. We firstly defined the coastal hazard zone that corresponds to the maximum inundation level of 13 m for the whole area. We then applied a Coastal Risk Index application at the Local Scale (CRI-LS) methodology to calculate forcing, vulnerability, exposure and risk indices using nineteen physical, environmental and socioeconomical variables. Findings show that coastal hazard zone of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region is extremely exposed to coastal forcing. More than 50% of the hazard zones indicates highly vulnerable zones and highest exposure is generally focused on the most populated urban zones. In the light of this, the coastal risk mapping shows hotspot zones in terms of climate change-related coastal risks located at Tangier Bay, south of Tangier city, Fnideq and Martil coasts, Tetouan city and north of Ksar El Kbir city. This paper corresponds to a useful support that can help policy-makers in decision-making to quietly follow coastal planning and management processes and participate in preserving coastal areas for future generations, which support the sustainable development goals of Agenda 2030 started by the United Nations with the goal of eradicating all kinds of poverty.

Collaborative Database to Track Mass Mortality Events in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract: MV-L was supported by a postdoctoral contract Juan de la Cierva-Incorporacion (IJCI-2016-29329) of Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades. AI was supported by a Technical staff contract (PTA2015-10829-I) Ayudas Personal Tecnico de Apoyo of Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (2015). Interreg Med Programme (grant number Project MPA-Adapt 1MED15_3.2_M2_337) 85% cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund, the MIMOSA project funded by the Foundation Prince Albert II Monaco and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 689518 (MERCES). DG-G was supported by an FPU grant (FPU15/05457) from the Spanish Ministry of Education. J-BL was partially supported by the Strategic Funding UID/Multi/04423/2013 through national funds provided by FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), in the framework of the programme PT2020.