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 seashore. Coastal ecosystems are vulnerable and their species are threatened by diminishing and changing habitats. Southern Sweden has been particularly affected by coastal erosion, with the Skåne region experiencing many 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 was to demonstrate ecosystem-based measures against coastal erosion and floods that also strengthen coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project also contributed 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.
RESULTS
LIFE Coast Adapt project combined nature-based measures against coastal erosion’s negative effects, strengthening the coastal biodiversity ecosystem services and preventing flooding at the same time. The approach was integrated with measures applied on land, in the sea and in their transition zone. The aim to replace conventional methods or testing whether it would be a possibility or not, was achieved.
Most of the expected results were reached. 10 different ecosystem-based actions and sub-actions were implemented at 15 demonstration sites in urban areas in southern Sweden to benefit the overall improvement of resilience to flooding. This resulted in a decrease in the vulnerability of 150 000 people in an area of 48 hectares. Specifically, the main results were:
- the development of a technical guideline and a management plan for decision makers on ecosystem-based measures and a web map for planners (guidelines, policy for integrated coastal zone management, technical report on separate and combined ecosystem-based methods for coastal protection);
- the improvement of resilience of beaches that withstand flooding and erosion protection (2 drainage pipes were removed and replaced by nature-friendly constructions upstream);
- the construction and protection of wetlands to protect shorelines (a new wetland of around 5 150 m2) and river erosion protection measures (Nybroan river climate measures were piloted);
- the restoration of sand habitats and dunes (4 populations of dune invasive species were removed on 11 500 m2 in 5 areas, locally native dune species re-established in 2 areas);
- the implementation of shoreface nourishment in 2 locations and beach nourishment at another location in combination with dune formation design;
- the improvement of sea water vegetation structure, with at least 4 000 seagrass shoots planted at 8 sites. The results of the eelgrass planting indicate that it can have a relevant protective function against coastal erosion.
