Lauwersmeerdijk

Extraordinary dike reinforcement - from fish migration to artificial reefs and salt marsh development 

The Lauwersmeerdijk project in Lauwersoog in the Netherlands stands as both as testament to Dutch water management and a thriving ecological corridor. Originally constructed centuries ago to reclaim land and protect communities from the ebb and flow of tides, the dike has since evolved into a dynamic interface between land and sea. As part of a broader climate-adaptation strategy, the 9 kilometer dike is being strengthened to meet modern safety standards in the face of sea-level rise and future storm surges. The project takes advantage of the regular dike reinforcement by integrating a range of nature-based solutions, including a fish passage to restore fish migration routes, artificial reefs and tidal pools along the dike to increase biodiversity, and the development of salt marshes that will hopefully contribute to coastal safety in the future. The artificial reefs and tidal pools provide shelter and habitat for fish, crabs, shellfish, algae, and other marine life. Already, these structures have shown remarkable increases in biodiversity, with mussels, starfish, and seaweed colonizing their surfaces and surrounding areas, at the same time, the adjacent tidal area in the Marnewaard, improves water quality while establishing a more brackish habitat for species adapted to both saline and fresh conditions.  

Recognized as part of Natura 2000 and adjacent to the Wadden Sea, the area attracts not only wildlife but also nature tourism, particularly birdwatchers and researchers who come to observe the rich migratory bird populations. Educational visits to the fish passages and tidal structures allow the public to see how flood protection, engineering, and ecological restoration are combined. In this way, the Lauwersmeerdijk is more than a dike – it is a living, functional ecosystem, where water management, biodiversity, and human engagement meet.  

Why is it a NbS (with regards to IUCN Definition)? 

Combining coastal protection with nature development, addressing a societal challenge (sea level rise) 

Purpose of the NbS: 

Coastal protection, increasing biodiversity, improving hard infrastructure 

Context of the NbS (e.g. compensation measure) 

Part of the regular dike reinforcement programme where the opportunity was used to integrate nature development projects 

Further information on this NbS: 

Dike reinforcement Lauwersmeerdijk

Nature Projects - Lauwersmeerdijk

Lauwersoog krijgt grootste kunstmatige rif langs Nederlandse zeedijk