The Flemish Coastal Vision
We see how our climate is changing. An increase in greenhouse gases is warming the atmosphere. Seas and oceans are expanding and ice sheets are melting. This is resulting in rising sea levels. The Flemish Coastal Vision contains measures for the long-term protection of our coast and hinterland from this sea level rise. To that end, we are also looking for cross-border collaborations. Because climate change is a problem that affects us all.
Brochure: Coastal vision - Strategic Policy Plan
Aim
With the Masterplan for Coastal Safety from 2011, our coast is protected until at least 0,3 meters. The Flemish Coastal Vision looks beyond that. It sets out a strategy to protect our coast at least for the next 100 years from the sea level rise. Whether it rises one, two or three meters. Flanders is taking the lead in planning this far ahead, thereby being a pioneer in Europe and beyond. But Coastal Vision is ‘more than coastal protection’. Coastal Vision also offers opportunities for, among other things nature, economy, sports and tourism.
A co-creation process
The most important success factor for drawing up the Coastal Vision was the intensive co-creation research process that was conducted. A clear choice was made to build this vision together with the more than 100 Flemish stakeholders, with France and The Netherlands, with the coastal mayors, the governor and the competent ministers.
Objectives
Together the framework of ambition with four main objectives was defined:
Protection
An adaptive, resilient and robust strategy to protect our coast against a potential sea level rise of up to + 3m.
Future-oriented
The strategy gives also maximum opportunities for all other functions of the coast, such as nature, tourism and the economy.
Attractive
Future measures will be attractively integrated into the landscape.
Feasible
There is public support for the vision, it is legally and physically feasible and it is affordable.
Video
Our long-term strategy
Eventually we will move our coastline about a hundred meters seaward. By doing so, we create sufficient space to raise and widen all dunes and dikes. Our beaches will move towards the sea but will remain at least as wide as today. Specific solutions are also proposed for each coastal port. These differ per port, as each port is unique.
More info: www.kustvisie.be (in Dutch) or kustvisie@mow.vlaanderen.be(opens in your email application)
Innovation trumps: Living Lab Raversijde
With the Living Lab Raversijde, we want to gain more insight into the processes of wave overtopping and force. One project is an artificial test dyke measuring 20 by 20 meters, strategically placed between low and high tide. We will map during 7 years the impact of nature on this dyke. The data will subsequently form the basis for strategies and investments to make our coastal protection even more efficient. Another pilot project focuses on the creation of a dune in front of the existing dike. This way less sand is blown on the road and the tram tracks on top of the dike.
Together we are stronger
Climate change and the associated rising sea level are global problems. By sharing expertise between regions, we can tackle them together. To that end, we are looking for partners who want to help think about innovative solutions. This will allow us to realise a Coastal Vision that takes climate change and further sea level rise assessments into account.