Coastal erosion has caused beach loss and threatens first-row beachfront houses and other nearshore structures in Progreso, Yucatán (Mexico). This multidisciplinary project combines shoreline analysis, social research and stakeholder mapping to develop an integrated understanding of coastal erosion, its effects and the socio-environmental context in the study area. The aim is to translate this knowledge into a coordinated and sustainable approach that promotes coastal resilience.

The shoreline analysis that was performed using satellite imagery showed evidence of both accretion and erosion in the study area. A forecast of the coastline retreat showed that in the western part of the Progreso area, the number of properties that lie within 10 meters of the shoreline is expected to double within the next decade.
The findings of the social analysis and stakeholder mapping revealed a communication and knowledge gap. The communication gap occurs between neighbours, so among coastal homeowners, but also between them and the governmental institutions. There is a knowledge gap due to the need for knowledge sharing among coastal homeowners.

A solution for the coastal erosion problem in the Progreso area is only possible by first implementing a social strategy; otherwise, no physical measure will be effective. Thus, the coastal community committee (CCC) is proposed to address the identified communication and knowledge gaps, as well as the fragmented responsibilities. The CCC is a group that makes decisions about measures to improve coastal resilience and engages local residents and stakeholders. In order to physically reconstruct a resilient coast, the use of a Sandsaver is proposed for sand accretion. To achieve long-term coastal resilience, dune formation is necessary. The report includes a plan for testing this Sandsaver and also a plan for implementing the CCC.

Previous studies show that climate change effects and anthropogenic disturbances are having an increasingly strenuous effect on the performance of the coastal system of Sisal, a rural fishing village in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. Resilience has been a crucial component for these studies, as it presents the system's ability to react and adapt to environmental hazards and human interventions. In recent years, several research initiatives have aimed to assess the resilience of Sisal's coastal system through the use of previously identified resilience index calculations. However, these indices lack the ability to quantify disparities of resilience on a local scale. Furthermore, previous studies focus solely on the technical aspects of resilience, and therefore fall short on defining other relevant aspects of the term.

Consequently, this research project aimed to understand Sisal's coastline by understanding the multi-faceted definitions of resilience by analysing the socio-economic and technical factors impacting the coastal system. The study involved examining both its historical context, as well as potential future trends and developments.

This was done through a thorough evaluation of different aspects of the coast, a storm impact study and a social analysis. The findings of these studies are subsequently incorporated into a comprehensive web-tool, providing experts, policymakers, and community members with clear-cut and valuable information on the current resilience of Sisal's coastline.

The findings of the research present that the coastal resilience of Sisal is highly negatively impacted by human interventions along the coast, predominantly causing inadequate resilience performances on profiles with significant anthropogenic perturbations and generally along the coastline westwards of Sisal's port. Current coastal management policies are considered ineffective to deal with these developments, which is among others caused by exclusive decision-making processes and ambiguous governmental policies. Changes in coastal management strategies are therefore needed to effectively deal with future threats of environmental hazards and human interference. Ultimately, resulting in improved coastal and community resilience.