Following the significant coastal damage caused by Cyclone Evan in December 2012, Manase Beach on the island of Savai’i was identified as a priority site for investigating long-term coastal protection options. As an important tourism destination, preserving the beach while improving resilience to future coastal hazards was critical. Tonkin + Taylor International was engaged to develop a practical, sustainable solution that balanced environmental, engineering and community needs.
Tonkin + Taylor International assessed a range of options to enhance Manase Beach and protect adjacent tourism assets from ongoing coastal erosion. The project began with site investigations and stakeholder consultation to understand physical processes, community priorities and tourism requirements. These informed the development of preliminary and concept designs, and an implementation plan for the preferred solution.
The final design combined beach nourishment with nature-based coastal protection measures. Approximately 2,000 cubic metres of externally land-sourced sand were used to replenish 200 metres of beach, supported by two offshore breakwaters designed to retain the replenished sand and reduce sediment loss.
