Belgium Implements Dune-by-Dike Systems for Coastal Protection Amid Rising Sea Levels

Belgium is constructing dune-by-dike systems to protect its coastline from storms and rising sea levels. These systems combine engineered dunes with existing dikes, forming a dual barrier against the sea.

A notable site is in Raversijde, Ostend, where a 750-meter strip features dunes created from sand dredged offshore. The Flemish government initiated this project as part of the Living Labs initiative, aiming to evaluate nature-based coastal protections.

Storm Benjamin in October did not erode these dunes, suggesting resilience in this area. The coastal defense plan, established in 2011, aims to safeguard Belgium's 67-kilometer coastline from extreme flooding events, considering future sea-level rises.

The government typically spends around 8 million euros annually on beach nourishment to maintain these coastal defenses. Other dune-by-dike projects are underway in Knokke-Heist and Middelkerke, launched between 2021 and 2023, to enhance coastal resilience against climate change.