Community-based ecological mangrove restoration IN QUELIMANE, MOZAMBIQUE
The Quelimane Mangrove Restoration (QMaR) initiative, led by Van Oord, demonstrates a community-based ecological approach to mangrove restoration. Through hydrological interventions and alternative livelihood initiatives, 4 hectares of degraded mangrove habitat are being restored. One year after implementation, seedlings have established and grown well, especially near natural water sources. Over 100 community members have participated in an alternative livelihood programme, reducing dependence on mangrove logging and improving household incomes. Some even made investments such as purchasing property, demonstrating enhanced economic stability. These results highlight the critical role of integrating ecological restoration with community empowerment and livelihood support in achieving sustainable mangrove restoration.
GULHIFALHU RECLAMATION PROJECT
Environmental and social management in marine infrastructure projects is fast evolving. In Gulhifalhu’s pristine waters, Boskalis delivered one of the Maldives’ most complex dredging and reclamation projects amid sensitive habitats and high stakeholder expectations. Guided by international best practice and close collaboration with partners, robust controls safeguarded marine habitats while enabling development. The result stands as a blueprint for future projects, demonstrating that sustainable marine infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits for nature, communities and economic progress.
INTEGRATING DREDGING IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Adapted from the second chapter of Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure (2018), this article forms the foundation for this first issue and presents the concept of sustainability in relation to dredging projects. It describes the approaches and practices that are key to creating more sustainable solutions and infrastructure – a modern way of thinking about dredging.
Environmental management and mitigation measures: Addu City project
Dredging and reclamation projects can significantly impact local ecosystems. Negative impacts can be minimised by adopting proper environmental management and mitigation, from preparation to completion phase. Addu City project sets an example of implementing novel construction methodologies and successfully addressing environmental challenges. The project has created over 200 hectares (ha) of climate resilient land for housing and touristic development. Enclosure of footprints, relocation of corals and seagrass (at pilot level) before reclamation process, and monitoring sediment impact in the nearby marine protected areas during dredging and reclamation are exemplary of the management approach applied to ensure minimisation of potential negative environmental impacts.
An efficient tool for environmental control in dredging operations
Environmental management and monitoring programmes are essential for identifying and mitigating adverse impacts that dredging activities may have on the environment. However, it is not always feasible, especially for the client, to have the necessary tools to conduct these tasks adequately, whether due to cost constraints or limited information availability. The use of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), as an efficient and cost-effective monitoring method in dredging projects, can lead to significant improvements in project environmental management. In cases involving trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHD), this tool allows for equipment tracking, verifying the proper use of contract-approved areas and additionally estimating daily production values through a simplified method.
2D effects on dune erosion at maasvlakte 2
Dune erosion due to storm surges and severe wave attack is the primary failure mechanism of sandy sea defences. At a curved coastline, dune erosion is greater than at a straight coastline. However, how much higher is often difficult to predict. This article presents a comparison of field observations and model results of the response of the Maasvlakte 2 curved sandy sea defence to storm attack.
Integrating dredging in sustainable development
The paper Integrating dredging in sustainable development outlines the philosophy and concepts of sustainability and its application to water infrastructure projects focusing on practical issues for dredging.
IADC presents paper “Sand as a resource: Best practices to conduct responsible dredging projects”.
IADC presents paper “Sand as a resource: Best practices to conduct responsible dredging projects”. It presents best practices for optimal use of scarce sand resources, on both project and operational levels. Every stage of a project presents opportunities to increase the sustainability of sand extraction.