Author(s): Zeger Sierens; Pieter Rauwoens; Dries Bonte; Peter Troch; Maxime Dahirel; Kim Van Tittelboom; Nele De Belie; Bas Hofland; Ad Reniers; Marion Tissier; Sierd De Vries; Vicky Stratigaki; Jan Fordeyn; Marc Huygens; Tomas Sterckx; Bruno Castelle; Richard Michalet; Bas Huisman; Valerie Reijers; Oliver Lojek; Boris Schroder; Nils Goseberg; Toon Verwaest; Vincent Gruwez; Sieglien De Roo; Peter Van Besien; Daphne Thoon; Ine Moulaert; Marie-Helene Ruz; Luciana Das Neves; Paolo Rosa Santos; Nicolas Robin; Caroline Hallin; Helena Hanson; Johanna Alkan Olsson
Linked Author(s): Peter Troch, Bas Hofland, Toon Verwaest, Paulo Rosa-Santos, Nils Goseberg
Keywords: Nature-based solutions Dune-Dike Hybrid Coastal protection
Abstract: Coastal zones in Europe are among the most densely populated regions globally, facing increasing threats from flooding due to sea-level rise and climate extremes. Without effective adaptation measures, it is estimated that 187 million people worldwide will be at risk of flooding by the end of the 21st century (Vousdoukas et al., 2017). Traditional hard infrastructure, such as seawalls and dikes, has been the dominant approach for coastal protection but lacks adaptability to the dynamic impacts of climate change. The DuneFront Project, funded under the Horizon Europe Program, aims to address these challenges by developing Dune-Dike Hybrid Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). These solutions integrate static hard infrastructure (dikes) with dynamic elements such as biodiverse vegetated dunes and aeolian sediment systems, providing a sustainable, adaptive alternative for flood defense along European coasts. The project aligns with the European Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus Initiative, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetic design in coastal management.
Year: 2025