Coastal adaptation to climate change by multiple ecosystem-based measures

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The most severe climate change impacts for coastal regions are rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events. These contribute to increasing flood risks and an unsustainable escalation of coastal erosion. There is therefore a growing need to introduce adaptation measures and manage these risks. Conventional measures against rising sea levels and floods, however, often contribute to coastal erosion. The increased frequency of flooding and rate of erosion moreover threatens urban settlements, recreational areas and large economic infrastructure located near the sea shore. Coastal ecosystems are vulnerable and their species are threatened by diminishing and changing habitats. Southern Sweden has been particularly affected by coastal erosion with Skåne experiencing a large number of floods and escalating erosion along its coastlines due to more frequent and powerful storm. This trend is expected to continue along with the accelerating pace of climate change and rising sea level.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the LIFECOASTadapt project is to demonstrate ecosystem-based measures against coastal erosion and floods that also strengthen coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project will also contribute to the 2002 EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and the Commission’s 2013 proposal for a new initiative on Maritime Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Management.

Expected results:

Ten ecosystem-based actions and sub-actions implemented at 15 demonstration sites in urban areas in southern Sweden;

Improved resilience to flooding at project sites covering 48 ha, decreasing the risks to property and safety of 150 000 people;

Technical guideline and a management plan for decision makers on ecosystem-based measures for coastal protection and coastal zone management;

Online map, which shows where the different ecosystem-based measures are suitable, for guiding planners;

Resilient beaches that withstand flooding and erosion protection (two drainage pipes removed and replaced by nature friendly constructions upstream in two beaches);

Construction and protection of wetlands to protect shorelines (two new wetlands) and one river erosion protection measure implemented;

Restoration of sand habitats and dunes in five areas, with four populations of dune species removed from an area of 11 500 m2 and native dune species reestablished in two areas;

Shore-face improvements implemented in two locations and beach improvement at one location along with dune formation design; and

Improved sea water vegetation structure (at least 4 000 seagrass shoots planted at eight sites; 50 boulders transplanted to suitable areas with macro algae; and a total area of 8 ha improved).