Safeguarding the Belgian coast for the next century

As climate change accelerates and sea levels continue to rise, the question of how to protect our coastal communities becomes more urgent than ever. In response, the Coastal Vision initiative, with Tractebel company IMDC as project manager, aims to secure the 65-km Belgian coastline for the next 100 years.

Launched in April 2021, Coastal Vision (Kustvisie in Dutch) is a strategic initiative to develop an integrated coastal management plan for both beach zones and ports. As part of its long-term strategy, the Flemish Government plans to shift the entire coastline on average approximately 100 metres seaward. This will involve elevating and expanding dunes and dikes, as well as heightening and extending the beach outward to safeguard inland areas from rising sea levels.

This strategy ensures that Belgium’s beaches will at least retain their current width, providing ample space to implement protective measures effectively. For the coastal ports, a future-oriented framework was also developed, which will be further detailed in the coming years. Beyond coastal defence, the vision also opens up possibilities for enhancing nature experiences, sports, recreation, and economic development.

IMDC at the helm of innovation and integration

The Coastal Vision project is driven by a co-creation process, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors to determine a coastal management zone or ‘ribbon’ and a roadmap for protection against one, two and three meters of sea level rise. Our IMDC experts built and are lead partner of the consortium Hoogtij(d), the collaboration between IMDC, ORG Permanent Modernity, Arcadis, Econopolis, Common Ground, CONNECT Communicatie, An Luyten, LDR Advocaten in Omgevingsrecht and Jeroen Bryon, Ph.D.

The project is an intense co-creation process involving over 100 stakeholders
Photo © Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works

As project manager, IMDC is orchestrating a complex interplay of technical studies, environmental impact assessments, cost-benefit analyses, stakeholder engagement, and communication. Our multidisciplinary team also assessed coastal safety and flood risks, designed protective measures with a focus on nature-based solutions, and evaluated sand requirements, salt intrusion risks, nautical implications and hydromorphological impacts.

To support these efforts, our experts deployed cutting-edge numerical tools such as coastline models, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic simulations, and aeolian transport models, all underpinned by our deep expertise in the Belgian coastal system.

The Coastal Vision project prioritizes nature-based solutions

Integrated coastal management plan: From resistance to support

IMDC’s unique blend of expertise — from coastal engineering and environmental science to port and dredging operations — positioned us as a leader in this strategic policy study. Far exceeding deliverables and tender requirements, IMDC’s co-creation approach led to a broadly supported strategic vision. Our ability to unite a large, multidisciplinary consortium in a shared vision was key to transforming eight years of resistance into cooperation and support. This alignment has already begun to yield benefits, with stakeholders collaborating more effectively and aligning new initiatives with the strategic vision.

After years of technical studies and stakeholder dialogue, a preferred strategy has now emerged. This milestone was followed by a public consultation, paving the way for final validation by the Flemish Government. Once approved, the strategy will serve as a framework for all developments in the coastal zone in Belgium, and will be an inspiration for coastal zone management strategies worldwide.

Looking ahead: A coast for future generations

“Backed by state-of-the-art numerical models, the latest research, and pilot projects, Coastal Vision empowers decision makers to make informed, supported choices,” says Annelies BOLLE, Project Manager, General Manager IMDC. “The ultimate goal is to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the Belgian coast — safely and sustainably — even in the face of extreme weather events and rising seas. I’m immeasurably proud of our team’s resilience and commitment: We never give up, even when the process is unpredictable. We go the extra mile to find solutions, together with our partners and clients.”