Sand Dune and Shingle Network

Dune challenges in a European context

Merlimont 2014

John Houston jh@psammos.co.uk

Dune challenges in a European context

Background

Sand Dune and Shingle Network

Situation as reported for

EU27: Dunes habitats

have lowest percentage

of favourable habitat

types

State of nature as reported to the EU Habitats Committee

Sand Dune and Shingle Network

Progress towards Target 1 of

the Biodiversity Strategy

Halt the deterioration in the

status of all species and

habitats covered by EU

nature legislation and

achieve a significant and

measurable improvement in

their status by 2020.

Overall picture:

• Small improvements

• Continued declines

Unless there is a significant

improvement of trends, the

target will not be achieved

Article 17 report for Shifting dunes

Sand Dune and Shingle Network

Article 17 report for fixed dunes

Sand Dune and Shingle Network

Results for NL can be interpreted as

unknown/ no change although with a

recorded increase in area

Article 17 report for humid dune slacks

Sand Dune and Shingle Network

Results for NL can be interpreted as

improving- symbol ‘a’ means that there is a

genuine change

The New Biogeographical Process

Atlantic Region workshop and seminar 2012

Sand Dune and Shingle Network

Common problems, potential solutions and

opportunities for cooperation

Workshop on dunes and estuaries

Issues:

Large scale loss of dune habitat

Interference with natural dynamics

Lack of integrated approach

Invasive alien species

Communication

Recommendations:

Restore sand drift by removal of infrastructure

Establish Atlantic platform for information exchange

Creation of expert network of government agencies

Challenges for science, communication and best practice

Sand Dune and Shingle Network

Science

Cross-boundary exchange on methodologies

Rigid approach to habitat definition

Large scale habitat restoration

Communication

Explaining benefits of dynamic dune management

Countering traditional views of dune stabilisation

Championing need for action

Best Practice

Making use of existing networks

Influencing policy

Networking

Opportunities for cooperation and networking

Sand Dune and Shingle Network

1. Continue to engage with biogeographic seminar

process

2. Identify links to Prioritised Action Frameworks

3. Secure national and regional funding

4. Develop an international scientific programme

5. Prepare a LIFE Governance and Information project

6. Continue to deliver large scale restoration projects

7. Further develop the European Dune Network