Coastal erosion

The problems of the Baltic Sea coastal area in the context of coastal erosion have always been topical, and their causes since ancient times have been associated with unpredictable and virtually uncontrollable natural factors (storms). Over time, the topicality of this problem has increased, particularly as a result of the changes in natural processes, to a greater or lesser extent related to the climate change and the resulting increase in the strength storms, the global water level rise, more intense washout of the sand, and so on. This effect combines with the direct effect of factors of the human economic activities – construction within the coastal aquatorium and shore, dredging that results in the deficit of the marine debris, as well as recreational tourism growth and the associated strain on the coastal dune vegetation and terrain. The impacts of the above-mentioned adverse effects have been observed over the last 50-100 years as periodic and intense storms that cause inflow of the sea water masses into the coastal zones, and significant washouts of the land areas of the coastal strip. Based on coastal monitoring data, about 65% of the shoreline is in varying degrees of erosion.

For many years the main area of focus of the Association “Baltic Coasts” has been coastal erosion, and the association, as well as its members individually have participated in a number of projects and actions related to this topic, emphasising the assessment of the coastal natural, social and cultural resources and changes in their value in the context of coastal erosion. The research and practical actions of the Association “Baltic Coasts” are directed to promote the integration of these principles in prevention and mitigation of the coastal erosion effects as a part of sustainable and efficient coastal management.

“Informative campaign for protection against coastal erosion” and “Informative events for awareness-raising in order to promote their protection of coastal natural values” – with the aim to inform and educate the public, as well as to develop recommendations for prevention or mitigation of the adverse effects of and related problems raised by the coastal erosion.

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