Sea dikes are not only an important coastal protection element, but also represent an ecosystem that can supply valuable ecosystem services. The objective of the project EcoDike was to develop and investigate methods and approaches for ecological enhancements of sea dikes and finally compile recommendations for ecologically enhanced and ecosystem-supporting sea dikes. The dike safety, however, and with this the coastal protection function still have highest priority. Options for ecological enhancement of sea dikes were found by (i) supporting natural or nature-based solutions in the foreshore, e.g. foreshore vegetation, and (ii) enhancing the dike structure itself, e.g. with ecologically more valuable sea dike vegetation. Investigating the interaction of hydrodynamic processes and foreshore vegetation, new methods for vegetation parameterization were developed and new insights into reduction of wave loads on sea dikes due to foreshore vegetation were gained. The ecological value of dike covers can be enhanced by applying ecologically more valuable vegetation, especially herbs and legumes. In doing so, the erosion protection of the dike cover has to be maintained. With physical model tests, in-situ tests and laboratory analyses, new knowledge on vegetation establishment, ecological value and erosion resistance of different vegetations under coastal conditions was acquired. Monitoring and maintenance strategies were analyzed and in-situ tests and evaluation schemes were developed and tested.
