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A community-enabled bioinspired innovation to mitigate severe erosion in a subsiding mega-delta: Lessons from the Chao Phraya Delta, Thailand

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nara SrinilORCiD

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Abstract

© 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.Large deltas worldwide face accelerating land loss driven by sea-level rise, reduced sediment supply, and human-induced subsidence, threatening coastal ecosystems, livelihoods, and sustainable development. The Chao Phraya Delta (CPD), Thailand, exemplifies these challenges, particularly along the western CPD (WCPD), which has been identified as a priority case under the UN Ocean Decade MegaDelta Programme. Despite decades of mangrove reforestation and bamboo fencing initiatives, much of the WCPD remains subject to rapid shoreline retreat (>10 m/y), with more than 1500 ha lost since 1954, as high wave energy and sediment deficits limit the effectiveness of conventional nature-based solutions (NbS). This study examines the first-year response of Artificial Mangrove Roots (AMRs), a Thai bio-inspired soft measure and structural component supporting hybrid nature-based solutions (NbS), under physical and institutional constraints. Multi-temporal shoreline analysis, satellite-derived post-installation assessment, UAV-LiDAR monitoring, and stakeholder engagement were integrated to assess AMR implementation at 11 priority sites, where recent retreat rates exceeded 20 m/y in several locations. Following AMR deployment, satellite-derived shoreline data showed lower retreat rates or no detectable shoreline change at several sections during 2024–2025. UAV-LiDAR observations acquired approximately 8–15 months after installation documented localized landward seabed accretion behind several AMR installations, commonly on the order of 15–60 cm and locally reaching approximately 88 cm, while many adjacent unprotected areas continued to experience seabed lowering or shoreline retreat. Governance analysis showed that implementation was achieved through a community-enabled, provincially led, and academically mediated pathway that addressed land-tenure and regulatory constraints. Lessons from the CPD demonstrate how soft measure can overcome socio-institutional barriers and advance sustainable adaptation pathways for vulnerable mega-deltas confronting climate-driven coastal change.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Charoenlerkthawin W, Sattabongkot T, Srinil N, Burnett WC, Takagi H, Otarawanna S, Bidorn B

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Ocean and Coastal Management

Year: 2026

Volume: 281

Online publication date: 26/08/2026

Acceptance date: 20/08/2026

ISSN (print): 0964-5691

ISSN (electronic): 1873-524X

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2026.108345

DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2026.108345

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