Integrated Coastal Area Management

Experiences and lessons learnt from Germany

Bianca Schlegel Technical Advisor Management of Natural Resources in the Coastal Zone of Soc Trang Province
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Study tour with Vietnamese delegates Northern Germany, July 2011

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Urban Flood Management

Tidal influences Floodings Harbour Estuary Management

Elbe is a very dynamic estuary which is vulnerable to anthropogenic influences

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Urban Flood Management

3 types of flood protection:
Dykes and walls Construction on dwelling mounds Individual site protection

Some residential areas are allowed to be flooded, here specific solutions for infrastructure are needed Public flood protection is financed by the city and the state Private protection measures have to be paid by those who want to settle in the endangered areas
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Picture: http://www.ibbsn.de/refer.html

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Tidal Elbe concept

Fairway deepening for ships led to increased tidal pumping - biggest challenge now Ecosystem functions are endangered Concept for sustainable sediment management and development of tidal Elbe (2006)
Engineering measures Retention areas Improved sediment management

Only works as participatory process!

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Dyke construction & Drainage

More than 800 years of experiences with dyke constructions have led to improved dyke designs Dykes form an artificial barrier and require technical solutions of the drainage Secure discharge is of great importance for flood protection and agriculture

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Individual Coastal Protection

Hallig: small, undyked island in the North Sea

Flooded regularly during stormy weather Houses built on small dwelling mounds (Warften)
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Individual Coastal Protection

Dynamic equilibrium of sedimentation and sea level rise (ca. 4-5 mm/year)
Currently Halligen are adapting in natural way Future sea level rise requires adaptation

5 Halligen: UNESCO biosphere reserve due to unique characteristic landscape, surrounding ecosystem and culture

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Beach Management
- Connected to the mainland by the Hindenburgdamm - Construction led to morphodynamic changes and to - significant losses of land at the southern spit of the island
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Beach Management
Several measures tried and failed Ca. 1880: Groins
Increased erosion at other places

1960: Tetrapods
Too heavy for soft sand

Since 1970: sand nourishments

Sand is now only put in locations where it is needed Soft, close to nature solution High costs justified by the high income generated from tourism sector
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Governance of coastal protection

State and communities have their own tasks and responsibilities
State tasks: 100% financed by state Shared tasks: can be financed up to 90% by state Maintenance tasks: 100% financed by communities

Advisory Board Integrated Coastal Protection

Led by the Ministry with participation of communities, mayors, nature conservationists etc. Meetings twice per year The states ears are opened to the needs of the local communities
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Governance of coastal protection

New master plan currently developed to integrate all aspects
(Coastal) Land use planning Economic activities/ Tourism Disaster prevention Nature conservation

Wadden Sea is World Heritage Site

Good example for combination of coastal and environmental protection

Regional and (inter)national cooperation can be areas of conflict

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Managing the Offshore Zone

Central Command for Maritime Emergencies
Is responsible for planning, training and implementation of maritime emergency measures Shares responsibilities with neighbouring countries in quick response zones (no diplomatic channels) Can access equipment and staff of partners Has overall coordination and operational control, even if borders are crossed until situation is cleared Works autonomously, not subject to any directives in case of operations Has clear legal foundation
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Managing the Offshore Zone

Offshore wind energy represents a direct and economical usage of coastal zone Over 20 years of experiences with offshore wind energy in North Sea and Baltic Sea Consistent and strong winds provide better conditions than on land

New methods are tested constantly

Environmental impacts have to be considered (e.g. acoustic noise that disturbs marine mammals)
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Key lessons learnt

There is no single solution for the whole coast Largescale solutions
Individual adapted solutions Local charac teristics and require ments

Individual solutions needed

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Key lessons learnt

Sustainable ICAM requires

Consideration of future scenarios in todays planning

Participation of many stakeholders for decisions Consideration of complex processes and interactions Dealing with uncertainties Interdisciplinary and cross-border consensus
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Thank you for your attention!

Questions?

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