Strengthening water systems and coastal defences with Nature-based Solutions in Fryslân

Key Learnings

About the Region

Climate Threats

Climate change is forcing the Frisian water system toward a critical tipping point. Prolonged droughts dry out sandy soils, accelerate the oxidation of peat layers (which then release stored carbon) and weaken the soil’s ability to retain water. As groundwater levels drop, coastal and low-lying areas become increasingly salinised, compromising both drinking water supplies and agriculture. More extreme rainfall and sea level rise are overwhelming existing flood infrastructure. In May 2024, Buitenpost experienced severe flooding, with streets submerged and emergency evacuations required. Yet, during dry spells, excessive drainage might cause the soils to lose valuable freshwater too quickly. These combined pressures all lead to further degradation of biodiversity, reduced agricultural productivity, and endangering infrastructure.

Nature-based Solutions in action

Figure 1: Father and son fishing in the Linde valley. Image Credit: Beekdal Linde | Fryslân.

Coastal protection and ecosystem restoration along the Wadden Sea

Along the Frisian Wadden coast, between Koehool and Lauwersmeer, the 1DYK project improves dikes while enriching the landscape through the creation of salt marshes, grazing, fish passages, and ecological corridors. 1DYK is a collaboration between the regional water authority Wetterskip Fryslân, Rijkswaterstaat – the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, local authorities, and agricultural and land management organisations. The project integrates nature into coastal protection, reducing flood risks while improving biodiversity and recreational opportunities (Figure 2).

Through visits, walks, and community meetings, as well as by accessing informative booklets, newsletters, and videos, residents, local entrepreneurs, and stakeholders contributed ideas, helping align technical goals with local values when designing the engagement campaigns. The project exemplifies how combining technical and natural infrastructure can yield resilient, multifunctional landscapes in the face of rising seas and more intense storms.

Figure 2: Coastline restoration, combining nature, coastal protection, flood risk reduction and improving biodiversity and recreation from Ternaard to Peazens-Moddergat. Image Credit: 1DYK.

Engaging local stakeholders through dialogue and learning

While strategic initiatives such as FK2050+ (Fryslân Climate Resilient 2050+) and WaBoS (Water and Soil as Leading Principles) exist, local actors often face challenges in turning these ambitions into concrete actions. EU-funded projects, such as NBRACER (Nature-Based Solutions for Atlantic Regional Climate Resilience), play a crucial role in bridging the gap between long-term policy visions and the on-the-ground implementation of Nature-based Solutions in Fryslân.

To help bridge this gap, the NBRACER project organises local workshops that support constructive dialogue among policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and citizens. The workshop held in Leeuwarden in February 2025 exemplifies this approach, fostering exchanges that help identify both challenges (e.g., financial uncertainty, communication gaps) and enabling factors (e.g., ecosystem service payments, local innovation, peer learning) that support the effective implementation of Nature-based Solutions. Reflecting on both successes and shortcomings and translating findings to diverse audiences, including farmers and municipalities, the project helps local communities feel ownership and broaden their understanding and skills in climate adaptation and Nature-based Solution implementation. As a result, the solutions designed drive regional transformation and are grounded in the local and social context.

We need to work on the perception of nature-based solutions. They’re not only a service to nature, but also a service to farmers, to drinking water availability, to biodiversity, to recreation, mobility, and many more. Beyond that, capacity building is a crucial aspect! It is important to show your neighbours that nature-based solutions work. Not only for their direct purpose, but they come with co-benefits, as they turn systems into more pleasant, green, and healthy landscapes.

Participant of an NBRACER regional workshop, February 2025

Summary

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