Coastal Vision, Kustvisie
- Client
- Flemish Government, Division Maritime Access
- Country
- Belgium
- Period
- 2017-ongoing
The Mission
With rising sea levels, the Flemish coast requires a long-term vision to ensure it remains a safe and sustainable place to live, work, and visit. The Flemish Government aimed to develop a forward-looking strategy, Coastal Vision (Kustvisie), extending beyond the current Coastal Safety Master Plan (until 2050) to at least 2100. This plan considers various sea level rise scenarios (+1, +2, and up to +3m) and addresses the need for a resilient coastal protection ribbon that balances flood safety with multi-sectoral synergies. A strategic roadmap with trigger points was also developed to enable timely actions in response to uncertain sea level rise rates.
The Solution
The IMDC-led Hoogtij(d) consortium supported the Flemish Government in creating this strategic vision. This included an intensive co-creation process, where political, scientific, and professional stakeholders collaborated to design, evaluate, and optimize alternative strategies. Tractebel, as part of this consortium, provided critical technical expertise in water and infrastructure studies, environmental impact assessments, cost-benefit analyses, and spatial design. Additionally, the consortium successfully managed a participatory approach to engage stakeholders, organize workshops and consultations, and communicate the findings in accessible formats. Tractebel played a pivotal role in integrating these diverse elements into a cohesive strategic vision and actionable plan.
The Impact
Tractebel’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the final Strategic Policy Plan Coastal Vision. By leading technical studies, facilitating co-creation processes, and ensuring effective stakeholder engagement, Tractebel helped define the coastal protection ribbon and a strategic roadmap for safeguarding the Flemish coast over the next century. The expertise provided ensured a comprehensive action plan and cooperation structure are in place, allowing immediate steps to be taken today. This landmark achievement reflects Tractebel’s commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for complex environmental challenges.
With this strategic policy plan, we have the ambition to ensure one continuous, adaptive, resilient and robust coastal protection ribbon along the Flemish coast. In this ribbon we can develop the measures to protect against a possible sea level rise of up to +3m and at the same time not only preserve the current functions and practices in the coastal zone, but also offer opportunities for new developments. In this way, we want to ensure that the children of our grandchildren can also enjoy the coast.
Annelies Bolle
Produc Manager