- Seasplainassistance for Halligen's climate change adaptation
The North Frisian Halligen are under constant threat during every storm due to their absence of protective dikes. Yet, this very lack of dike protection presents an opportunity in light of climate change. Each flooding deposits fine sediment onto the meadows, gradually increasing the Halligen's height. Minister of Environment Katja Günther (Greens) visited North Strandischmoor to discuss a pilot project investigating this potential solution with local residents, research organizations, and the Landesbetrieb für Küstenschutz, Nationalpark und Meeresschutz (LKN).
Günther stated, "The Halligen serve as a microscope, showing us the changes climate change will bring to our coasts." She emphasized, "To preserve the Halligen, they must become stronger and taller to withstand the rising sea levels." However, the sediment input during these 'land under' events is not sufficient to counteract the sea level rise. As a result, the possibility of controlled flooding is being explored. Particular focus is being placed on the function of stone walls at the Hallig edges, which mitigate the impact of powerful waves and currents. Initial trials on North Strandischmoor suggest that Hallig soil grows faster when utilizing this approach, according to LKN project leader Luisa Rieth. Further research and trials will be conducted on additional Halligen. The LKN is collaborating on a EU project with this pilot project. There are ten Halligen in the North Frisian Wadden Sea, home to around 300 people, and are of significant ecological value, especially for coastal birds.
Günther proposed to examine the feasibility of controlled flooding on North Strandischmoor, as the North Sea's storms deposit sediment that could help increase the Halligen's height. The pilot project, involving local residents, research organizations, and LKN, aims to investigate if strengthening Hallig edges with stone walls could enhance the growth of Hallig soil, potentially aiding in the adaptation of North Sea coasts to climate change.
