Innovative coastal technologies for safer European coasts in a changing climate (THESEUS)

THESEUS examines the application of innovative combined coastal mitigation and adaptation technologies generally aiming at delivering a safe (or low-risk) coast for human use/development and healthy coastal habitats as sea levels rise and climate changes (and the European economy continues to grow). The primary objective is to provide an integrated methodology for planning sustainable defence strategies for the management of coastal erosion and flooding which addresses technical, social, economic and environmental aspects. THESEUS objectives are governed by three specific goals, which concern: (a) Risk assessment, (b) Response strategies and (c) Application. To integrate the best of these technical measures in a strategic policy context the project develops overarching THESEUS guidelines which considers the environmental, social and economic issues raised in any coastal area. It is in this spirit that THESEUS advances European and international experience in applying innovative technologies to reducing coastal risks. THESEUS activities carries out within a multidisciplinary framework using 8 study sites across Europe, with specific attention to the most vulnerable coastal environments such as deltas, estuaries and wetlands, where many large cities and industrial areas are located.