Mega-recharge projects worldwide
Mega-recharge largely stems from the Dutch initiative ‘De Zandmotor’; a 21.5M m3 sand mega-recharge implemented so that natural wave energy and circulation will redistribute sand, widening beaches over a 10-20 km stretch over a 20 year period. The limitation of human intervention to a 128 ha area of shoreline reduces the disturbance to the local ecosystem while providing benefits in addition to reduced flood and erosion risk, such as habitat creation and increased amenity for shoreline recreation (Stive et al. 2013).
Mega-recharge offers the multiple benefits of erosion reduction, flood protection, habitat creation, place-making, recreational resources and amenity. Such interventions don’t just address environmental problems but offer a focus for economic development.
Specifically, the mega-recharge projects aim to promote: a. sediment-based and ecohydrological solutions for coastal protection that enable resilient coastal communities and infrastructure; b. new thinking and modelling that focuses on working with nature in addressing flood and erosion protection; and c. coastal economies that are more resilient to extreme events, sea-level rise, and changes in sediment supply.
Current and proposed mega-recharge projects:
UK
Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay
Bacton, North Norfolk
Swanage, Dorset
South West Coast
Europe
USA
Palm Beach Florida
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Waikiki, Hawaii
Information of wider beach nourishment schemes
Worldwide: