Zwin Tidal Area Restoration (LIFE ZTAR)

The Zwin is the largest and most important tidal salt marsh site in Belgium and provides a perfect habitat for numerous bird species, included many listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive. Since the 1980s, the Zwin has suffered a dramatic loss of biodiversity. Sand deposits have led to the gradual filling up of the lagoon, causing loss of safe breeding opportunities and sleeping sites for the birds, as the former islands are becoming connected to the mainland and accessible to ground predators. The deposited sand probably originates from the increased marine erosion of the sandy beach and fore-dunes, so that the loss of biodiversity can be considered an example of coastal squeeze as a consequence of climate change. The project aims at restoring different habitat types. Other goals include raising public awareness and support for its measures through several communication actions.