This seminar is part of the Climate Cookies & Coffee series of the Belgian Climate Centre. This is a new seminar series launched by the Belgian Climate Centre to foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and interdisciplinary discussion among climate researchers.
For edition, the Belgian Climate Centre will welcome Sebastian Dan (Flanders Hydraulics) with a presentation on "The Future of Coastal Adaptation to Sea Level Rise in Belgium".
The Belgian coast has long been shaped by natural fluctuations in sea level, with human interventions since the 12th century helping to stabilize its position. Over the past millennia, sea levels have risen gradually, with a marked acceleration in recent decades. Although coastal defenses have so far proven effective, accelerating sea level rise and increasing societal pressures are creating new challenges.
Recent research has highlighted vulnerabilities in coastal stability and proposed innovative approaches to address them. Building on this, a strategic vision for the Belgian coast has been developed that integrates existing knowledge and local stakeholder perspectives. Central to this vision is the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)—measures designed to enhance the coast’s resilience to extreme storms, strengthen ecological functions, and create new socio-economic opportunities.
The focus on NbS signals a shift toward more sustainable and adaptable coastal management—one that balances the need for flood protection with the preservation of natural systems. As climate change continues to intensify pressures on the Belgian coast, sustained research, collaboration, and long-term planning will be essential to ensure a resilient and thriving coastline for future generations.
