Marconi Project
Saltmarshes for coastal protection, recreation, and carbon storage – The Marconi project
The Ems-Dollard estuary, located near the city of Delfzij in Netherlands, is ecologically unique – one of the few places in the Dutch Wadden Sea where fresh and salt water naturally mix – but it also faces several challenges, ranging from increasing sediment concentration, rising sea levels, high turbidity, and land subsidence. To enhance the ecological status of the region while creating new recreational areas that also reduce wave power and store carbon, salt marshes have been developed from local sediments in Delfzijl. The distinctive feature of the Marconi project is the experimental use of sand mixed with silt in varying concentrations, allowing researchers to study how different sediment compositions influence salt marsh development. To keep the sediment and the salt marsh in place and prevent erosion, the newly formed marshes are protected by a stone groyne, which stabilize the area and reduce wave impact. Over time, these marshes are expected to support a range of coastal plants and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, contributing to both biodiversity and coastal resilience in the Ems-Dollard estuary.
Why is it a NbS (with regards to IUCN Definition)?
“The foreshore areas increase the coastal safety whilst providing space for recreation and nature development, making them a clear example of a Nature-based Solution.”
Purpose of the NbS:
Coastal safety, space for recreation and nature development
Context of the NbS
The Marconi project is a part of the wider Ems-Dollard 2050 programme which involves creating new salt marshes and ensuring ecological and social connectivity.