2.1. Details of the study region
The coast of Chile has an extension of about 6435 km, with more
than 45% of the Chilean population living in the coastal zone (INE,
2012). Armouring of the coastal area, from 18S to 41S, is one of the
most important management conflicts, and is proceeding either to
expand human settlements, as disaster prevention/mitigation
infrastructure or for the development of new activities related to
tourism, deep-water harbours or leisure. Coastal cities in northern
to central Chile (18S to33S) develop economic activities related to
tourism, and harbours are dedicated to fishing and shipping. Specifically,
northern cities (18e30S) are located within the boundaries
of the Atacama Desert characterized by low rain frequency