Our coastal projects
Environmental challenges we face
Climate change and sea level rise are environmental shifts that we are facing. Coastal squeeze is the loss of coastline habitats which cannot respond to sea level rise by moving landward because of development on the coastline.
Evidence shows that climate change will have a significant impact on flooding in Wales. As the climate changes, there will be more frequent storms, heavy rain and tidal surge events increasing the risk of tidal flooding and coastal erosion. Wales’ coastal communities and habitats are not resilient to these pressures. Changes to the coastline are anticipated.
There are a variety of structures around the coast, such as walls and embankments, which were designed to manage flood risk and provide protection. However, these structures deteriorate over time and can require expensive maintenance. As sea levels rise and coastal erosion accelerates, the standard of flood protection given by these structures will decline, while the costs of maintenance will rise significantly and become prohibitive in some cases.
The changes and challenges we face are unprecedented. Current projections for Wales predict tidal levels rising between half a metre and over a metre over the next century. In some places we will not be able to maintain current standards of protection in the long-term. This means that we must adapt.
How we use adaptation
Adaptation is changing the way things are done in response to challenges. This will vary based on the characteristics, hazards and risks present. In some places on the coast, we will maintain the existing standard of flood protection. In other places we will realign or retreat. There may be instances where we will need to cease intervention and allow natural processes to take control.
How we decide what adaptation choices to make
There are strategies in place to help guide adaptation decision-making. NRW has responsibilities for managing flood risk from main rivers and the sea and we must discharge our responsibilities in line with Welsh Government’s National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales.
Shoreline Management Plans (SMP2s) are policy responses to environmental changes, developed by Coastal Groups. The plans provide the framework for managing the long-term impact of coastal flooding across Wales. They break the coastline down into smaller sections known as ‘policy units’ and explain how each unit should be managed in the short, medium and long term. They take into account the sustainability of flood risk management activities and assets and priorities for flood protection.
Find out more about our Shoreline Management Plans (SMP2s).
We are running projects that explore adaptation options for achieving sustainable flood risk management, within the SMP2 framework. These projects are guided by the sustainable management of natural resources (SMNR) principles and aim to deliver health and well-being goals in accordance with the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. This work is in accordance with our corporate plan.
We must also compensate for coastal squeeze when coastal projects cause detrimental impacts on protected marine habitats. We manage this compensation on behalf of Welsh Government through the National Habitat Creation Programme (NHCP).
For information on the NHCP, see the Welsh Government note on the use of the NHCP in delivering flood and coastal erosion risk management projects.
How we run our coastal projects
Following an evidence-based approach, our projects develop and appraise options and aim to develop plans for the sustainable management of flood risk and habitats.
All this is done with community and stakeholder engagement at the core.
Through a series of stages, the projects:
- investigate the evidence for the local flood and coastal erosion risk management problems
- describe the implications and opportunities
- propose possible options
- shortlist feasible options and report in detail on their socio-economic and environmental benefits and costs
- decide on the best balance of flood risk management, environmental protection and enhancement, well-being outcomes, and value for money
- develop and present business cases in support of recommended courses of action
These projects may either lead directly to changes in flood management or provide the evidence base for future action in response to extreme flood events or diminishing standards of flood protection.
How we engage stakeholders
Engaging effectively at key project stages is at the heart of our coastal project work. We build relationships and work with the local community and stakeholders to:
- understand local circumstances, concerns, priorities and aspirations
- discuss ideas and provide opportunities to influence plans and outcomes
- provide opportunities for stakeholders to help shape the future programme
Together we explore solutions that provide environmental, social and economic development opportunities and work towards the production of sustainable coastal adaptation and flood risk management plans.
Find out more
Learn more about nature-based solutions and adaptation at the coast and explore the context of coastal adaptation further. You can also find more information about various nature-based coastal management solutions.
Some of our ongoing coastal projects have their own webpages where you can find out more about the problems, plans and engagement activities and get in touch with the project teams: