In view of rising sea levels, the inhabitants of the coasts must protect themselves from the water in a variety of ways. Coastal researcher Thomas Klenke explains how Oldenburg researchers are helping to make the regions fit for the future.

Sea levels are rising - on average by 30 to 80 centimetres or even more by the end of the century. In this country, dykes traditionally protect land and people from the floods of the North Sea. But coastal protection is more than just a dyke, says Dr Thomas Klenke, Scientific Coordinator at the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (COAST). "Of course, the dyke usually holds. But people should be aware of the dangers and know what to do in an emergency." In addition to storm surges, heavy rainfall can also lead to flooding on this side of the dyke. This is because large parts of the local coastal region, such as East Frisia, lie below sea level. Experts have therefore long been talking about flood protection.

In a series of projects, Oldenburg scientists have been working for years on how coastal regions can adapt to climate change. In addition to protection by dykes, this includes prevention - for example, by incorporating old dyke lines into protection concepts or using low-lying areas as pastureland only in summer, for example. Another important pillar is disaster prevention: Are there evacuation plans? Are underground power cables safe from flooding? The regions must also be prepared for the time after a disaster, emphasises Klenke, for example to reduce the extent of damage.

How coastal regions can adapt All these aspects must be embedded in the corresponding spatial conditions, he adds: What is the nature of the ecosystem? Is the affected region urban or rural? And what are the social, political and legal conditions? COAST researchers are currently analysing these complex interrelationships in the FRAMES (Flood Resilient Areas by MultilayErSafety) project - using the example of very different regions in the North Sea region. "Our aim is to improve the 'flood resilience' of a region in all areas," says coastal researcher Klenke.