THE COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IN AREAS OF OVERWASH AND SEDIMENTARY EROSION IN PORTUGAL:

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON HERITAGE PRESERVATION.

Abstract

Coastal zones play a vital role in understanding the history and culture of past communities. However, these areas of archaeological importance are often subjected to natural threats such as overwash and sedimentary erosion, which jeopardize the preservation of structures and remains. The advance of the sea and the movement of coastal sediments are natural processes that have implications for the conservation of areas with evidence of human occupation. Adding to this dynamic process, which raises concerns about the maintenance and safeguarding of sites, are the accelerated impacts of climate change, which have intensified the challenges faced. The Coastline project, developed by the Laboratory of Archaeology and Conservation of Underwater Heritage at the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, conducted a series of analyses to determine the relevance and extent of this type of problem along the Portuguese coast. This analysis not only concluded the fragility of these locations but also highlighted the urgency of implementing effective preservation and management strategies. This article aims to present the main results obtained from the integration of data from the Portuguese Environment Agency, which identifies several high-risk areas for transformations in the coming years, and records of archaeological sites that have been integrated over the years into the Endovélico Cultural Heritage database of the Public Institute.