Objective

To adapt to climate change effects and restore ecosystems.

Description

Coastal wetlands (or tidal marshes) are saltwater and brackish water wetlands located in coastal areas. They provide natural defence against coastal flooding and storm surges dissipating wave energy and coastal erosion and could help in stabilisation off shore sediments. In some locations (such as the Dutch Scheldt Estuary), coastal wetlands are used to absorb storm surge waters, attenuating flooding. Coastal wetlands are also  important natural habitats with nursery function for fish and shellfish and for birdlife and could contribute to water purification.

Expected results

Increased ecosystem value and diversity.

Result indicators

m² wetland reclaimed.

Involved actors

Landowners.

Expected timeline for action

• Medium term (5-10 years)

Best practices

• Belgium
• France
• Belgium-Netherlands
• UK
• UK

Criticalities

The main difficulty in implementing the action is related to the change of land use, with loss of land used (i.e. for agriculture).

Scope of the action

• Adaptation

Type of proposed actions

• Green

Sector of action

• Biodiversity / Conservation of ecosystems
• Coastal management

Climate impacts

• Coastal erosion
• Drought
• Floods

Implementation scale

• Association of municipalities
• Municipality
• Province

Source

https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/adaptation-options/restoration-and-management-of-coastal-wetlands