About two-thirds of Europe's sandy beaches have roads, quays, boardwalks and hard coastal defences made of stone and concrete so close by, that they can no longer adapt naturally to rising sea levels. Now, an EU-project coordinated by Lund University has been awarded just over SEK 100 million to analyse how nature can become part of the solution.
"It is easy to think that hard coastal defences are stable, but that sense of security is misleading. As sea levels rise, we need more dynamic solutions. It is high time that we start working more with nature's own processes, which can protect against flooding and erosion while also meeting the needs of people living and working along the coast," says Caroline Hallin.
Hallin, a researcher in coastal engineering at Lund University, will coordinate the four-year EU project HARCCA (Hotspot Resilience: Co-Construct Approaches to Coastal Climate Adaptation), which will develop methods for scaling up the use of nature-based solutions to help Europe's coasts adapt to climate change.
Beach nourishment, seagrass meadows and artificial reefs among possible measures
Nature-based solutions can range from beach nourishment, where sand is added to rebuild eroded shorelines, to restored sand dunes and vegetation that help stabilise sand. The researchers will also investigate how seagrass meadows, coastal vegetation, artificial reefs, and measures to prevent saltwater intrusion into groundwater can reduce coastal vulnerability to climate change.
The project brings together researchers, public authorities and municipalities from nine European countries. Together, they will develop digital tools to show how different coastal areas are affected by rising sea levels, erosion, flooding and saltwater intrusion, and compare the effectiveness of different adaptation measures.
One of the project's case study areas is the coast of Trelleborg in southern Sweden, where erosion and rising sea levels are already affecting local beaches. The aim is to identify solutions that work for both nature and the people who live and work along the coast.
According to Hallin, many coastal problems are caused by many small-scale interventions.
"Just look at a map. Zoom in and look at all the piers, coastal defences and harbours that have been built along the shoreline. They deepen formerly shallow areas and create shading over seabeds with high ecological value. This affects plant and animal life far more than most people realise," she says.
About the project:
HARCCA helps Europe's most vulnerable coastal regions adapt to climate change using nature-based solutions and advanced digital tools. The project brings together local authorities, scientists, policymakers and communities facing increasing risks of flooding, erosion and saltwater intrusion. Through co-design focused on local needs, HARCCA will deliver research-backed, practical solutions that can be replicated across Europe.
