Scenic assessment of Peruvian beaches: implications for management and conservation on the South American Pacific coast

This study evaluates the scenic beauty of 63 beaches along the Peruvian coastline using the Coastal Scenery Evaluation System (CSES), an objective methodology that integrates 26 physical and human parameters to calculate a coastal scenic index (D-value). Beaches were classified by region (North, Central, South), accessibility, and typology (urban, village, rural, remote). Statistical analyses included ANOVA and non-parametric tests to assess differences among groups. Results indicate no significant differences among regions or accessibility levels; however, beach typology significantly influenced scenic quality, with urban beaches showing the lowest D-values. The best-preserved beaches, which achieved the highest D values, were associated with minimal human intervention and better conservation of their natural state. This study represents the most extensive scenic assessment conducted along the Peruvian coast and provides valuable inputs for integrated beach management, considering ecological, social, and economic dimensions-from landscape conservation and waste control to tourism planning, user safety, and the efficient allocation of resources for coastal management.