Climate change studied in rural hinterland of Wesermarsch

The district of Wesermarsch has been chosen as a project area in the European Climate Proof Areas- project (CPA).  The rural hinterland concept is a unique initiative which draws up intelligent water management for coastal areas, that are prone to be flooded in case of a dike failure. Coastal protection and water management will co-operate closely in this area.

This innovation could reduce the risk of flooding in coastal areas. The Wesermarsch is vulnerable to higher storm tides and floods in the artificial canals in the back country. The CPA project will conduct an integrated approach to develop an adaptation strategy for the area between land and sea. 

The results of this project are very relevant for other partners within the project and within the North Sea Region as a whole. The CPA partners investigate the different effects of climate change on these areas. They gather information on current government policies, test the foreseen adaptation measurements and develop improvements and policy advice.

Our climate is changing and this is affecting the water management: extreme wet or extreme dry weather conditions occur more frequently and water levels are rising. The CPA partners aren’t awaiting the consequences, they’re proactively  and preventatively working on adequate adaptation measures.

The German coast can’t face these threats on its own. That’s why various partner organizations from 5 North Sea Region countries have joined forces in a transnational cooperation: Climate Proof Areas. The project was launched at the end of 2008 and continues until the end of 2011.