Mir-Gual, M. and Pons, G.X. 2016. The presence of foredune strip as key factor for the integral beach-dune system conservation. In: Vila-Concejo, A.; Bruce, E.; Kennedy, D.M., and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 313–317. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Most studies of sedimentary coastal systems analyse the agents and factors participating in its formation. However, there is less information about the behaviour of these systems once they are formed, about their erosion and sedimentation processes, and about their evolution patterns. In coastal areas such as Balearic Islands, the erosion processes on emerged beaches can suppose negative effects for the main economic activity of beach and sun tourism. With this scenario, and from the results obtained through a PhD thesis, this work aims to show the importance that a well preserved first line dune has for the conservation state of the whole dune system. The results obtained from several field experiments carried out through anemometry data and sand transport measurements show how the presence of a well-preserved foredune is a key factor for the conservation of the associated dune complex. Airflow modelling and sand traps measurements show how the foredune increases the surface rugosity, decreasing wind speed and an increasing sedimentation rates, helping diminish the erosion patterns from the emerged beach to the innermost of the dune complex. Our research will help to improve the future management plans, and keep positive sedimentary balances on emerged beaches.