Dutch city The Hague has unveiled plans to develop a 200-metre-wide ‘dune landscape’ along its Scheveningen coastline to protect against rising sea levels.
The plans, which are positioned more as a strategic vision rather than a fixed blueprint, will seek to guide future decisions on coastal protection, connecting water safety and spatial planning.
Diverse coastline
“The Hague is the only major city on the Dutch coast,” alderman Nur Icar commented. “That makes us unique. We can be proud of our diverse coastline, which offers space for recreation, businesses, hospitality, nature, sports and tourism.
“At the same time, our location by the sea brings challenges. It makes us vulnerable to rising sea levels. That is why it is so important to understand how we can prepare for this together with our partners and residents. This future perspective is the starting point for that conversation.”
As local authorities have noted, the Scheveningen coastline is particularly exposed to rising sea levels, as there is limited space available to raise and widen existing sea defences. In addition, unlike other coastal areas, such as Oostduinpark and Westduinpark, Scheveningen has no natural dune systems.
‘City Behind the Dunes’
Under the city’s proposed ‘City Behind the Dunes’ initiative, a new dune landscape approximately 200 metres wide would gradually be established seaward of the existing boulevard – as the dunes expand, the beach would progressively shift further towards the sea.
According to authorities, this could also lead to positive biodiversity, recreational and coastal ecosystem opportunities.
“The Hague must remain a city by the sea, not a city in the sea,” added Martin Wörsdörfer, chairman of VVS, the Association of Beach Operators, which is one of the stakeholders involved in the project. “It is good that entrepreneurs are involved and will continue to be involved in shaping the future direction. We want to continue welcoming beach visitors in a safe and hospitable environment.” Read more here.
