Climate actions
This measure does not include landfilling of wetland areas and marine areas below the mean tide level to build new urban or industrial sites, a commonly used technique in modern times with high impacts on coastal ecosystems. It is linked instead to the practice used for centuries by coastal communities about using rocks and soil to raise coastal land as a defence against storms and rising sea levels. However, relatively few examples have been seen more recently. Bringing in landfill materials can lead to soil compaction and to, at least partial, subsidence. Moreover, it can be difficult to ‘lift up’ areas where modern urban and industrial areas and infrastructure are settled.
Raising coastal land
Objective
Protect coastal areas from flooding.
Description
Expected results
Reduced damages due to tides and storm surges.
Result indicators
Area of protected land [m²]
Involved actors
Local communities, national and local governments.
Expected timeline for action
Best practices
Criticalities
Scope of the action
Type of proposed actions
Sector of action
Climate impacts
Implementation scale