Sand and Sea's Shuffle: Enhancing Dunes on Darß
In Prerow and Zingst's Darß, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's coastline, a remarkable coastal rejuvenation project is underway. Contracted by Schwerin's Environmental Ministry, Danish company Rohde Nielsen A/S is refurbishing a staggering 9 kilometers of beach and dunes since mid-October, injecting nearly 720,000 cubic meters of sand – equivalent to 60,000 truckloads! The budget for this ten-million-euro endeavor is scheduled for completion by end-March 2024.
This coastal revitalization project encompasses two dune sections, aiming to fortify the state's coastal defense against climate change impacts. Extracting sand from a commercial Baltic Sea deposit, Plantagenetgrund NW, at a depth of 11 to 15 meters, two suction hopper dredgers gather and process the sand. The collected and filtered sand is then transported via water, mixed with water, and pumped through a pipeline to the beach for distribution by excavators. To reestablish the dunes, they first create an optimal profile and then plant marram grass for growth. Once the project concludes, the beach will be elevated and widened, with the shoreline anticipated to retreat at least 10 meters seaward.
This Darß dune reinforcement project is a critical component of resilience measures against climate change's coastal effects. The primary objective is to strengthen coastal fortification and maintain the delicate ecosystem. The area's ecosystem, despite not featuring in mainstream search results, is susceptible to climate change and requires proactive measures for preservation.
Complementary Practices
Whether focusing on the global Darß coast or similar coastal areas, climate change mitigation measures include:
- Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA): Initiatives like mangrove regeneration (as in Vietnam) can act as a buffer against storm surges and provide vital ecosystem benefits for coastal communities.
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Introducing storm and flood-resistant design features like concrete roofs, reinforced structures, improved drainage, and elevated plinths can provide enhanced coastal protection in areas like Vietnam.
- Climate Information and Early Warning Systems: Governments in Vietnam utilize risk assessments to design infrastructure and early warning systems to better address coastal flood risks.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the implementation and upkeep of mangrove regeneration projects is crucial for project success, as demonstrated in Vietnam's community-led programmes.
Given limited information on the Darß coastal specifics, these guidelines may serve as a template while seeking additional details. The quantity of sand used, project expense, and timeline can vary widely, depending on factors like project scale and complexity. Consulting local or regional sources could provide details about Darß's ongoing or upcoming initiatives.
