Establishing wetland forests

Overview

In areas with low to moderate wave action, combining wetland forests with traditional earthen barriers can reduce wave heights while providing habitat value and supporting biodiversity. The design of dikes can integrate inundation-tolerant vegetation to maximize flood risk reduction. With careful planning and ongoing management, woody vegetation can reduce wave action on the protected dike. The use of wetlands forests both requires significant space and careful management to ensure effectiveness.

This concept is in many ways similar to the integrating vegetated foreshores Concept. More detailed information on the considerations and approach to establish wetland forests can be found here.