THE FUTURE OF COASTAL LIVING | ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGING SHORELINES
REED CONSULTING ENGINEERS, CAYMAN ISLANDS

RL: What are the key challenges facing coastal development in Grand Cayman?

RCE: Like many island nations, Grand Cayman is experiencing increasing pressure from climate change, rising sea levels and coastal erosion. While economic growth remains vital, coastal zones are increasingly vulnerable to storm surges and extreme weather, putting infrastructure, natural systems and local livelihoods at risk.

Additionally, unchecked development has, in some cases, compromised the natural features that help buffer the coastline: coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves.

As development continues, it is crucial to balance progress with long-term resilience by integrating sustainable design and engineering solutions that safeguard both built and natural environments across the island.

RL: What steps can be taken to make coastal areas more resilient?

RCE: There are several forward-thinking strategies that could be incorporated into future coastal planning:

• Elevated and flood-resistant infrastructure: Raising critical facilities and designing with sacrificial or adaptive elements can reduce disruption from sea-level rise and future climate scenarios.

• Living shorelines and hybrid erosion control: Instead of traditional seawalls, communities can explore site-specific approaches like mangrove restoration, seagrass conservation and engineered reef structures that stabilise coastlines and enhance biodiversity.

• Permeable surfaces and stormwater management: Integrated drainage systems using retention features and vegetated buffers can help manage runoff, reduce flooding and protect near shore water quality.

• Sustainable material choices: Using resilient, locally appropriate and low-impact construction materials strengthens island infrastructure while minimising long-term maintenance and environmental costs.

These are all strategies that RCE is eager to see implemented as part of a broader commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure and island sustainability.

RL: What role can engineering and environmental expertise play in shaping the future of development?

RCE: Resilient coastal development depends on collaboration across disciplines. Engineering solutions must be guided by environmental science to support long-term community safety and ecological integrity.

This is where partnerships between coastal engineers and environmental consultants – like RCE’s collaboration with LGL – can be valuable. By working alongside marine biologists and ecologists, developers can make informed choices about site selection, erosion mitigation and marine habitat protection. For example, assessments of local seabed conditions and water flow patterns can guide decisions on where and how to build, minimising disruption to fragile ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves.

RL: What recommendations would you give to leaders seeking to future-proof the island?

RCE: Grand Cayman has an opportunity to lead by example in resilient coastal planning. Some key considerations include:

• Planning with climate resilience in mind: Accounting for long-term sea-level rise and major storm events in public and private development can help reduce costs and protect essential services.

• Prioritising nature-based solutions: Integrating natural buffers such as mangroves, beach systems and offshore reefs can provide low-impact, high-benefit protection at scale.

• Engaging engineering and environmental expertise early: Involving technical experts from the outset enables smarter siting decisions and better alignment with conservation priorities.

• Investing in long-term monitoring and adaptation: Because conditions change over time, adaptive infrastructure and ongoing assessments are essential to protecting people, property and natural resources.

By incorporating these principles, Grand Cayman can raise the bar for sustainable, resilient and environmentally integrated island development.