The German Baltic coast is a dynamic, submerging paraglacial coastline characterised by low-lying areas composed primarily of unconsolidated Quaternary sediments. These sediments are continuously remobilised by waves and marine currents, all within the context of rising sea levels.
In the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the coastline is divided into two distinct sections. The outer coast is relatively short (377 km) and straight, while the inner coast extends for 1,568 km and features a complex network of barrier islands, inner bays, and lagoons (Bodden and Haff systems). Coastal floodplains in this region have historically been reclaimed for agricultural use, with large-scale reclamation projects taking place during the era of the German Democratic Republic. However, since reunification, the focus of coastal defence has shifted towards protecting settlements, leaving the responsibility for agricultural dikes to local communities. This shift, coupled with stronger climate protection goals, has created new opportunities for the restoration of coastal wetlands.
Ecological restoration projects along the coast often involve reconfiguring the coastline, which is frequently associated with Managed Realignment. This coastal adaptation approach involves the deliberate removal, relocation, or opening of protective structures; the cessation of dune protection and beach nourishment; and the decision not to repair protective structures after accidental breaches caused by storms and coastal surges.
We conducted an inventory of ecological restoration projects along the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to assess the current extent of Managed Realignment implementation and to explore its potential for harmonising coastal adaptation with conservation goals. Our inventory, which includes 110 wetland restoration projects as of June 2024, reveals that most projects are located on agricultural polders along the inner coast of the state’s eastern region. All projects aim to achieve conservation goals, such as restoring natural coastal processes and habitats, including mires, reed beds, and salt meadows. Secondary objectives include compensating for the environmental impacts of development and optimising flood protection. Of the 110 projects, 44 have implemented or are in the process of implementing some form of Managed Realignment.
Our study:
- Demonstrates that Managed Realignment is far more commonly implemented than is currently documented in the literature,
- Visualises the geographical distribution of ecological restoration projects along the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, highlighting significant potential for further initiatives,
- Analyses key factors that enable and hinder the restoration of coastal wetlands via Managed Realignment on the eastern German Baltic coast, and
- Identifies critical challenges and provides recommendations, particularly to enhance local acceptance.
Publications
de la Vega-Leinert AC, Kaufmann J, Gussmann G. (2024). Ergebnisse einer Umfrage zur Wahrnehmung des gegenwärtigen Küstenschutzes in Ahrenshoop. Unveröffentlichter Bericht im Rahmen des vom BMBF geförderten Projekts ECAS-Baltic. Institut für Geographie und Geologie, Universität Greifswald. 85 S.
de la Vega-Leinert AC, Kaufmann J, Reinwardt N, Wermes M, Gussmann G, Hinkel J (2024). Managed realignment in ecological restoration projects on the coast of Mecklenburg- Western Pomerania, German Baltic coast – An overview. University of Greifswald, Greifswald. (Version 1.1) [Data set and technical report]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12679258
de la Vega-Leinert AC, Kaufmann J, Reinwardt N, Wermes M (2024). Case studies in Managed Realignment in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, German Baltic Coast. Scientific Report. ECAS-Baltic Project. University of Greifswald, Greifswald. Unpublished technical report.
de la Vega-Leinert AC, Palder J, Arlinghaus R (2023). Box 1.3: Ansätze für eine verbesserte fischökologische Renaturierung von Küstenökosystemen. In: Arlinghaus R, Braun M, Dhellemmes F, Ehrlich E, Feldhege FH, Koemle D, Niessner D, Palder J, Radinger J, Riepe C, Rittweg T, Roser P, Winkler H. BODDENHECHT – Ökologie, Nutzung und Schutz von Hechten in den Küstengewässern Mecklenburg-Vorpommerns. 80-83.
de la Vega-Leinert AC (2023). Dem Meer Land zurückgeben. Geographische Rundschau 7/8: 56-57.
de la Vega-Leinert AC, Stoll-Kleemann S (2020). Ausgleich für den Küstenschutz. Meer & Küste 18: 16-17.
