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What is dynamic coastal management?

Dynamic coastal management can be described as 'managing the coast in such a way that natural processes, whether stimulated or not, can proceed undisturbed as much as possible.'

Dynamic coastal management gives wind and sea space to move sediment between the shallow sea, the beach and the dunes. This leads to a natural, varied and robust coastal landscape that can grow with rising sea levels.

In addition to dynamic coastal management, dynamic dune management is also often discussed. This term specifically refers to the management of the foredune, the dunes close to the sea, with the aim of promoting sand drift towards the dunes.

Dynamic coastal management serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, the drift of sand from the beach to the dunes is crucial for the long-term water safety of the hinterland. On the other hand, this sand drift promotes variation in (protected) habitats and species in the dune area.

Sustainable water safety

The dunes are essential for protection against flooding from the sea. It is therefore very important that the dunes remain robust and grow along with the rising sea level. Sand drift from the beach via the foredune (the outer row of dunes) to the dune area plays a key role in this. Dynamic sea bars with drifts and notches effectively stimulate this sand movement. Near the notches, dunes can grow up to a meter per year; further along the growth is less pronounced.

Varied nature

Restoration of the dynamic landscape. Stimulating dynamics creates a jagged foredune, with drifts and notches. When drifting takes place on a large scale, it can lead to the restoration of a very dynamic dune landscape, with 'walking' parabolic dunes and new dune valleys.

Greater variety and biodiversity. The dynamics in the dune landscape stimulate a wide range of environmental conditions, with variations in lime content, moisture content, salinity and nutrient richness. This results in a rich diversity of habitats and species. The shifting sand covers older dune vegetation, creating space for pioneer plants. In addition, the continuous supply of a thin layer of sand is essential for the preservation of 'gray dunes', dune grasslands that are rich in flora and fauna. Reintroducing dynamism is considered an effective strategy for long-term biodiversity conservation.

Combating the consequences of nitrogen deposition. Almost the entire dune area has been designated as a Natura 2000 area and legally protected under the Environmental Act. Achieving the set goals for certain habitats and species is often made more difficult by nitrogen deposition. Dynamic dune management helps reduce this impact by supplying fresh, calcareous beach sand. This makes the soil less acidic and can partly neutralize the negative effects of nitrogen deposition.