Sand for survival: Coastal protection measures secure Sylt and mainland

The beauty and call of Sylt as a resort are undisputed, but there are significant challenges under the surface that affect coastal protection. In recent years, the island of the north has acted a central role as a protective shield, not only for itself, but also for the mainland of Schleswig-Holstein. This is primarily done by intensive sand rinses, which not only renew the beaches, but also take on the important function as a barrier against storm surges.

The importance of coastal protection

annually is applied to Sylt about one million cubic meters of sand. This is done to compensate for the loss caused by storms and waves. Coastal protection is an essential measure that not only affects the direct coastal area, but also protects the entire ecosystem in the region. The island is stabilized by the flushing, which also preserves the adjacent areas from the huge natural forces of the North Sea.

Financial aspects of the sand rinses

A total of 8.6 million euros will be provided for these protective measures for the year. This sum exceeds the expenditure of the previous year by two million euros, which is due to the increasing demand for sand due to the increasing edge floods. These special floods bring water levels that are up to one meter above the normal flood, which requires more sand to secure the beaches.

The implementation of the sand flushing projects

The technical aspects of these measures are complex and require precise planning. Experts have therefore examined the west coast sections of the island in spring to determine the exact quantities and locations for sand rinse. These methods have been established for more than 50 years and are carried out by a special suction excavator ship that pumps the sand from up to 30 meters depth. This careful procedure enables targeted stabilization of the beaches.

The challenges of climate change

An increasingly pressing threat to Sylt is climate change, which has increased the sea level by about 20 centimeters in the past hundred years. This has far -reaching consequences for coastal protection, since the island is not only dependent on sand to assert itself, but also on innovative solutions to meet the further effects of climate change.

conclusion: an investment in the future

The annual sand rinses are much more than just a cost center in budget planning. They are a necessity to protect both the island of Sylt and the adjacent mainland from the forces of nature. With the support of the federal, state and the EU and decades of experience in coastal protection, this demanding task is continuously fulfilled. In view of the changing circumstances due to climate change, it is of the utmost importance to continue to maintain these projects in the future.