Assessing atoll island physical robustness: Application to Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia

This article proposes a comprehensive methodology considering geomorphic, ecological and human variables to assess atoll island physical robustness in the face of climate-ocean pressures. Six are considered, including size, elevation, shape, structure, vegetation influence activities on natural capacity adjust changes. Each these is ranked five-level scale rankings summed up provide final estimate form an index relative each island. applied twelve islands Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia, considered key maintenance habitability by local community exhibiting contrasting configurations. The findings emphasize highly levels robustness, with indices ranging from 0.33 0.75. main contributors differences are, order importance, size changes; elevation; structure vegetation. Some peripheral rural that targeted public authorities for future development have much higher than settled islands. Based findings, we advocate, first, inclusion assessments modelling studies; second, within-atoll relocation people assets more robust areas