Middelkerke, Belgium - Municipality of Middelkerke
What / where is the pilot?
This pilot is set on the coastline of Middelkerke in Belgium. It’s the intention of the municipality of Middelkerke to strengthen coastal defences against the 1,000-year storm and sea level rise. The objective of the pilot is to replace the existing measures (beach nourishment) by permanent investments. Before this, we could choose to strengthen the existing dyke. This was however never done.
In the tourist trade zones we will have to build a strong structure (wave damping expansion). The work is planned with a nature-based solution. Between the surf club and the Noordzeelaan, a soft sea wall in the form of a grass embankment (controlled dune) will be applied. With a controlled dune, this will mean that we can check it’s height in terms of sightlines and use.
WHY / HOW is the pilot using Nature-based solutions?
The advantage of this nature-based solution is that its construction is cheaper than the traditional (hard structure) coastal protection. Thanks to the grass dike, more greenery is being realised. The slope of the beach is thereby extended and the zone closest to the current sea dike level is given a sustainable, controllable vegetation with marram grass and other retained species. It can also grow with future higher protection needs (sea level rise) and can provide much added value in terms of experience for tourists, nature and biodiversity.
For more information on the Middelkerke pilot, head to: https://www.middelkerke.be/nl/ruimte-en-wonen/openbare-werken/zeedijk-promenade