Project Overview
ATM provided expert coastal and marine engineering and coastal resiliency technical assistance in the creation of a 10-Year National Physical Sustainable Development Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). TCI comprises more than 40 cays and/or islands, each with its own defining characteristics. Six primary islands of study included Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay.
Services Rendered
- Archipelago-Wide Field Data Collection
- Coastal Risk and Marine Infrastructure Assessment
- Guidelines/Strategies for Future Development
- Detailed Coastal Mapping
- Stakeholder Outreach
Summary
ATM conducted an extensive literature review of government documents, regulations, development guidelines, planning protocols, and other similar documentation. This was followed up with a data gap analysis to identify critical missing data. Exploratory meetings were held with the majority of government departments and leadership.
Subsequently, ATM conducted nationwide field assessments and ground-truthing of coastal and maritime resources, and coastal developments to complete a coastal risk assessment. ATM utilized satellite and aerial imagery, flyovers, and drone deployment to develop detailed shoreline types/categories and risk ratings in a GIS-based framework. ATM rated coastal risks of the nation’s entire shoreline and evaluated numerous variables (erosion, shoreline type, exposure, island orientation, deep ocean proximity, etc.). This resulted in archipelago-wide mapping and improvement recommendations to maritime infrastructure (ports, harbors, ferry/shipping operations).
Utilizing the results of the coastal risk and marine infrastructure assessments, ATM developed a rating system for future development categories and provided recommendations on regulatory design guideline updates and maritime network development to support sustainable national development. Throughout plan development, ATM worked closely with the multi-disciplinary project team, local, and government officials, and participated in multiple public and stakeholder outreach, meetings, and presentations.