Vanishing Sands: Losing Beaches to Mining

Sand mining is causing the loss of beaches and dunes, destroying environments, and exploiting labor, leading to a crisis that threatens the loss of ecosystems and organized crime. It is essential to resist sand mining immediately to save lives, tourism economies, and beaches.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

In the face of rapidly rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms, the world's sandy beaches and dunes have become increasingly vital in safeguarding coastal environments. However, the pursuit of large-scale construction projects has led to the devastating depletion of these natural resources. Sand mining operations are stripping beaches and dunes, destroying habitats, and exploiting labor, all while contributing to environmental degradation.

The authors of "Vanishing Sands" have meticulously documented the devastating impact of legal and illegal sand mining over the past two decades. Their book spans across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and the eastern United States, providing a comprehensive account of the scale and scope of this issue. Through their research, the authors reveal that sand mining has reached crisis levels, endangering the loss of beach, dune, and river ecosystems forever. Moreover, organized crime groups are resorting to deadly force to protect their illegal mining operations, further exacerbating the risks and challenges faced by coastal communities.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the authors, who call for immediate and widespread resistance to sand mining. They argue that the cessation of sand mining is not only crucial for preserving beaches, dunes, and associated environments but also for safeguarding lives and tourism economies across the globe. The authors emphasize that the long-term consequences of sand mining include soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction, which can have far-reaching impacts on human health, biodiversity, and economic development.

In conclusion, "Vanishing Sands" serves as a powerful testament to the urgent need for action to address the devastating impact of sand mining. The authors call on governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the conservation and restoration of sandy beaches and dunes, and to enforce strict regulations and policies to prevent illegal mining operations. By working together, we can protect our planet's precious coastal resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 180 x 255 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478018797