researchers are exploring nature-based solutions to protect coastlines from the impacts of climate change, utilizing the unique properties of worms and mussels. These innovative approaches offer sustainable alternatives to traditional coastal defenses.

Worms and mussels to the rescue

Alexia explains: “In another project we look at whether the shell tube worm can protect our coasts. These are small animals that naturally occur in the North Sea. We use substrates to lure these worms and continue to live there, they form a rif with five hundred shellworms per square meter.(laughs).

Merel still explains an choice: “The ‘musselshaker’ is also an innovative way to build a reef. via an anchor we place a metal construction on the seabed. The mussels grow on that construction until they are mature. Then they fall off and end up on the seabed.This is how a biogen rif is created on the anchor.”

“I really hope that these solutions will be the norm in the future. With the current climate problem, nature -based solutions are not allowed to be plan B, but they must be a plan A.”

Believe in nature -based solutions for the future

The research conducted by ugent and DEME aims to develop a practical guide for engineers and governments. This guide will assist in designing and implementing nature-based solutions for coastal protection, enabling informed decisions about safeguarding coastlines.

Dieter states: “We are convinced that our nature -based solutions are not only technically as good as the traditional solutions – but often even better and more sustainable. The ‘Location landed ‘ have always been pioneers in hydraulic engineering.With DEME we want to continue to play a pioneering role, not only as an economic company but also as a socially relevant company. “

Professor and chair holder Margriet Drouillon adds: “In addition, we are starting a new study in parallel in which we Combining nature -based solutions with knowledge from the financial world. In this way we want to better estimate what these solutions provide – not only financially, but also for society and nature. We include the results in a practical guide. “

“Climate change is so fast, and research is sometimes behind the need to change something. Thanks to our practical guide, the nature -based solutions can be performed faster. The UGent and DEME are constant in dialog, so that we are discovered something in the lab, can test and improve on a large scale or at sea. That is quiet a challenge, but it works.”

Merel emphasizes: “Nobody knows what climate change will bring. Compared to a concrete or stone dike, nature -based solutions are much more adapted and they can better tackle possible abnormalities of the predictions. I really hope that these solutions will be the norm in the future. With the current climate problem, nature -based solutions are not allowed to be plan B, but they must be a plan A. “

Alexia agrees: “You have to believe it to be able to perform it. We do that, and therefore call ourselves the believers.. ” (laughs)