Empowering Community Leadership in Coastal Dune Vegetation Management as a Nature-Based Solution (NbS) for Sustainable Coastal Environments

Abstract Coastal dune vegetation serves as the first natural barrier by stabilizing sediments, reducing wave energy, and supporting coastal ecosystem resilience. In Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, this study explores the feasibility of implementing community-based dune vegetation management by integrating biophysical analysis with local governance perspectives. A desktop study was conducted to assess the extent and trends of coastal erosion using existing government reports and scientific literature. Data revealed the intensified erosion over the past two decades with hotspots progressively shifting northward due to altered sediment dynamics from dam construction, airport expansion, and phased breakwater development. Then, field observations were carried out to identify and evaluate the existing vegetation along the coastline. The findings reveal that accreting zones behind breakwaters supported diverse pioneer species such as C. equisetifolia and I. pes caprae , while eroded zones had lower vine cover and reduced species diversity. Meanwhile, interviews with community leaders indicated strong willingness to be involved in restoration efforts, recognizing vegetation’s protective role, but with identified barriers such are spatial limitations, land ownership disputes, and competing coastal uses. These findings highlight that sustaining the resource units require both ecological interventions and empowering the actors through education, and technical support. It emphasizes the importance of long-term conservation, community-led vegetation efforts, and integrating ecological assessment with governance for sustainable coastal management.