Extreme estuarine water levels and channel morphology, effect on flood extents and habitat resilience: the Scheldt Estuary, Belgium and the Netherlands

The practical application of a holistic approach to flood and erosion assessment is shown by a number of case studies worldwide. The description of these sites allows the identification of key drivers of future risk at the coastal areas, weak points of present risk assessment and management, and consequent main challenges to be addressed. In some cases, suitable mitigation options and their benefits are also identified, and example application of methodologies for the selection of the best portfolio to preserve the areas and promote their sustainable development is provided. The sites here considered are very diverse, comprising a wide variety of physical, social, economic, and ecological conditions. From west to east, the sites are: Cancun, Mexico; Santander Bay, Spain; Teignmouth estuary, United Kingdom; Gironde estuary, France; Scheldt estuary, Belgium and The Netherlands; Elbe estuary, Germany; Cesenatico coastal area, Italy; Hel Peninsula, Poland; Varna coastal area, Bulgaria; and Yangtze estuary, China.