Description
The current dikes along the Wadden Sea form a sharp physical and administrative boundary between the UNESCO world heritage area and the cultural inland landscape. However, from a geophysical, natural and cultural historical point of view, both sides of the dikes are part of the same ecosystem. In the light of rising sea levels a new integrated approach on flood protection is needed, that includes landscape values on both sides of the dike. This study investigates the cultural and physical-geographical variability of coastal salt-marsh landscapes. By integrating historical landscape processes, we aim to enhance modern flood prevention strategies beyond traditional dike systems. Our methodology follows a transect approach, emphasizing the importance of location-based strategies in coastal management. The research reveals significant variation from historical impacts, driven by regional human responses to nature. The results demonstrate that understanding local systems provides nuanced insights into tuning new coastal strategies that align with regional identity and garner local support. Ultimately, this variety can facilitate the transition from a single dike line approach to a broader coastal zone strategy that accommodates multiple functions and stakeholders. Our findings contribute to the systematic understanding of regional diversity, integrating engineering and historical geography perspectives.| Period | 28-Oct-2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | 16th International Scientific Wadden Sea Symposium: The Wadden Sea in Transition: Cumulative Pressures and Conservation |
| Event type | Symposium |
| Conference number | 16 |
| Location | Groningen, NetherlandsShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |