The participatory approach of coastal protection in Timmendorfer Strand - Germany

The main outstanding aspect of the implementation of the coastal protection in Timmendorfer Strand is the participatory approach. During the participatory approach, nine working group meetings and two public meetings were held. At the nine working group meetings, more than 50 local stakeholders (coastal protection authorities, fishermen, tourism representatives, residents, and community authorities) participated. The focus of these meetings was the analysis of how different coastal protection measures would affect the community with the assumption of increasing risks of flooding due to climate change. Thematically, these nine meetings were split into two steps. The first step included five meetings, where the "system" Timmendorfer Strand was defined by the participants. Variables were collected, and relationships between these variables were disclosed. The second step, including four meetings, was aimed at specific aspects concerning sustainable solutions in coastal protection measures. For example, it was discussed how flood protection measures affect key variables (elaborated in step 1) in Timmendorfer Strand. As a result of this approach, the participants supported the results of the sensitivity analysis and recommended a combination of coastal protection and flood defence measures. They also agreed upon being further involved in the process of the implementation of the coastal defence measure. The coastal defence administration valued this approach very positively because the participants recognized the long-term risk for the coastal area, they accepted responsibility, and they "evolved from sceptics to advocates of an integrated coastal defence concept".

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Cultural Factors: Attitudes toward environmental issues, Individual/collective memory

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention

Types of Actors Concerned: All types of actors, Local authorities, Active citizens, Entrepreneurs, Media, Government, National research bodies, Red Cross, NGOs, Military, Law enforcement agencies, Healthcare and emergency services, European Civil Protection Mechanism, UN and other international organisations, National civil protection body, Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Foster the adoption of a culture of disaster prevention and resilience by informing and motivating citizens to take action