Objective

Reduce cliff erosion.

Description

Cliff erosion in coastal areas is usually the result of structural erosion, resulting in a gradual retreat of the coastline because the amount of sediment that gets eroded (rocks, cobbles or sand) exceeds the amount of deposited sediment. To reduce cliff erosion and its consequences – landslide, collapse, falling of rocks – cliff strengthening techniques aim at increasing the strength and overall stability of the slope by minimising landside pressures. Some techniques also protect the foot of the cliff against marine erosion, a key factor in strengthening cliffs.

Expected results

Guarantee the stabilisation of the cliff.

Result indicators

Length of protected cliff [m]

Involved actors

Public authorities at different levels of governance, environmental organisations, interest groups, citizenship.

Expected timeline for action

• Long term (> 10 years)

Best practices

• East Anglia Region – UK

Criticalities

Cliff reshaping can disturb biodiversity by destroying habitats.

Scope of the action

• Adaptation

Type of proposed actions

• Grey

Sector of action

• Coastal management

Climate impacts

• Coastal erosion
• Floods

Implementation scale

• Municipality
• Province

Source

https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/adaptation-options/cliff-strengthening/#life_time