DuneFront_EU

☀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟭𝟭 ☀ 🌊 What happens when extreme storm waves crash against hybrid dune-dike defenses? Understanding how hybrid dune-dike systems perform during extreme storms is crucial for resilient coastal management. This report presents the first physical modeling campaign focused on wave-dike interactions under storm conditions. Conducted at TU Delft (Cem Sevindik, Afshar Adeli, Marion Tissier and Bas Hofland) in collaboration with Universiteit Gent (Peter Troch and Vincent Gruwez) and Technische Universität Braunschweig (Oliver Lojek), over 160 wave tests simulated various storm scenarios using irregular, bichromatic, and bimodal waves. The experiments measured wave overtopping, impact pressures, and flow velocities on dike models after dune erosion. All key factors for evaluating the effectiveness of coastal protection. The data collected provides essential insights to validate and improve numerical models, ultimately advancing the design of sustainable, nature-based coastal infrastructure that integrates biodiversity and protects vulnerable communities. 🌍 Curious how physical experiments can shape the future of coastal resilience? Explore the full report: https://lnkd.in/eFjfV9mS

📢 𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝘂𝗻𝗲𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿! Get the latest insights on dune–dike systems and coastal resilience in a changing climate straight into your mailbox 🌊 📩 Subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eFHKRuGf

☀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟭𝟬 ☀ 🌍 How do we predict the long-term performance of hybrid dune-dike coastal defenses? Hybrid dune-dike systems are at the forefront of sustainable coastal protection. Researchers at Technische Universität Braunschweig (Oliver Lojek and Constantin Schweiger), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) (Pieter Rauwoens and 𝗝𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝘂𝗮 𝗚𝘂𝗼) and Universidade do Porto (Mahmoud Abouhalima and Paulo Rosa Santos) focus on setting up and calibrating numerical models using open-source tools like XBeach and AeoLiS for selected demonstrator sites across six countries. These models help us understand sediment transport driven by waves and wind, shedding light on the morphodynamic processes critical for the performance and resilience of hybrid systems 💨🌊 By advancing these numerical models, we’re laying the foundation for predicting how these innovative coastal defenses behave over time and under changing environmental conditions. 💡 Curious how modeling supports smarter, more resilient coastlines? Dive into the full report: https://lnkd.in/eFjfV9mS

☀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟵 ☀ 🌍 How can we protect our coasts when space is running out? With 25% of the world’s population living within 100 km of the coast—and that number set to rise by 50% by 2040—innovative solutions are urgently needed to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities. Hybrid Nature-based Solutions (NbS), which combine natural dune systems with hard infrastructure, offer a promising path forward where space is limited. Yet, research on these hybrid coastal protections remains scarce and mostly focused on northern Europe and the USA. The review of the researchers at Lund University (𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻, Johanna Alkan Olsson, 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗡𝘆𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹 and Emma Johansson) highlights knowledge gaps, co-benefits such as biodiversity and recreation, and challenges including land-use conflicts and policy barriers. Drivers for successful implementation include stronger stakeholder participation, adapted legal frameworks, and strategic funding. Unlocking the potential of hybrid coastal NbS requires close collaboration between scientists, decision-makers, and local communities. 💡 Want to know how hybrid solutions could shape more resilient coastlines worldwide? Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eFjfV9mS

☀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟴 ☀ 🌿 The DuneFront rating system: A new standard for sustainable coastal infrastructure. Coastal protection is evolving. Hybrid dune-dike systems now blend nature and engineering to boost resilience, conserve biodiversity, and support communities. The DuneFronters at Universiteit Gent (Salwa belhadi, 𝗡𝗲𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲, 𝗞𝗶𝗺 𝗩𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺, Dries Bonte and Maxime Dahirel) have developed a tailored rating system that adapts leading sustainability frameworks specifically for coastal and marine environments. This innovative system promotes environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, and community-centered designs — integrating climate adaptation, ecosystem connectivity, and long-term monitoring. By fostering collaboration among engineers, policymakers, and local stakeholders, the DuneFront rating system offers a clear path to building coastal defenses that protect nature and people alike. 🔍 Interested in how we’re shaping the future of coastal resilience? Explore the full report on our website: https://lnkd.in/eFjfV9mS

☀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟳 ☀ 🌊 Can dune-dike hybrid solutions withstand extreme storms under climate change? As part of the DuneFront project, researchers at TU Delft (Marion Tissier, Cem Sevindik, Bas Hofland), Universiteit Gent (Afshar Adeli, Peter Troch and Vincent Gruwez) and Technische Universität Braunschweig (Oliver Lojek) are advancing the understanding of how hybrid dune-dike systems can withstand extreme storm conditions and future climate challenges. 🔍They focus on defining the storm boundary conditions for four key demonstrator sites in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. By considering sea level rise, dune growth, and evolving design standards, they set the stage for realistic laboratory modelling to improve flood safety and coastal resilience. These insights help ensure that hybrid coastal defenses are built to last, protecting communities while integrating nature and biodiversity. 📘 Dive deeper into the full findings on our website: https://lnkd.in/eFjfV9mS

☀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟲 ☀ 🏗️ How are hybrid dune-dike systems designed across Europe? 🌱 In a combined effort of Universiteit Gent (Afshar Adeli, Vincent Gruwez, Peter Troch and Dries Bonte) and TU Delft (Bas Hofland and Marion Tissier) the design methodologies behind hybrid dune-dike systems for coastal protection were explored. In this research topic, the design, stability, and maintenance practices of 7 hybrid demonstrator sites across diverse European coasts are evaluated and compared. 🔍 Key topics include: • A wide variety of design approaches, from simple to highly adaptive • High importance of tailoring methods to local conditions • Using advanced monitoring techniques like LIDAR alongside traditional surveys • Identification of gaps in integrated dune-dike design methodologies Understanding these design strategies helps pave the way for smarter, more resilient, and sustainable coastal protection systems. 📘 Explore the full insights on our website: https://lnkd.in/eFjfV9mS

🌿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 🌍 📅 16 September 2025 | 9:00 - 18:00 📍 Bruxelles Environnement, Tour & Taxis, 3000 Havenlaan 86C/3000, Brussel How can we align biodiversity and economic resilience in times of urgency? This year’s NetworkNature Annual Event will explore pathways to a nature-positive economy through Nature-based Solutions. Bringing together voices from policy, business, finance, innovation, and local communities. 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/diGjiqyx

☀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟱 ☀ 🌿 What can vegetation reveal about coastal change? 🌊 At Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), 𝗝𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝘂𝗮 𝗚𝘂𝗼 and Pieter Rauwoens explore how vegetation cover relates to changes in dune and beach topography across 12 hybrid dune-dike sites in Europe. By combining sediment dynamics with plant growth data, the findings show: 📈 A non-linear relationship between vegetation and elevation changes 🌾 Location-specific thresholds for vegetation response 🏖️ How natural processes and infrastructure work together in coastal protection Understanding these dynamics is key to improving and scaling nature-based coastal defenses. 📘 Discover the full insights on our website: https://lnkd.in/eFjfV9mS

☀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟰 ☀ 🏖️ What happens to hybrid dunes after they’re built? Nature-based coastal defenses like Dune-Dike hybrids are more than a design concept—they’re living systems that evolve over time. DuneFront researchers from University of Perpignan, France (Nicolas Robin), Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale (Marie-Hélène Ruz and Emmanuel BLAISE) and Université de Bordeaux (Bruno Castelle), track dune and upper beach changes at 12 hybrid coastal sites across 6 European countries. These sites range from dune-in-front-of-dike to dike-in-dune configurations, each combining natural and engineered elements to boost resilience. 🔍 Key takeaways: ✔️ Most dunes gained sand and remained stable post-construction ✔️ Upper beach areas showed more variation: some eroded, others expanded ✔️ Storm events and management practices influence long-term shape and function Understanding how these systems behave after installation is vital for scaling and improving future coastal protection strategies. 📘 Read the full report on dune evolution and explore how hybrid NbS perform in real-world conditions: https://lnkd.in/eFjfV9mS