TIDE focuses on the estuaries of the Elbe (D), Weser (D), Scheldt (BE/NL) and Humber (UK).
All show similar characteristics:
• They are used as shipping channels leading to large ports
• They are characterised by a strong tidal influence
• They transport large quantities of sediment
• Most estuarine areas are designated Natura 2000 sites
four estuaries
similar challenges
Sediment transport is steadily increasing
In order to keep the ports operating, increased maintenance dredging and improved sediment management is necessary.
Estuarine ecosystem functions are endangered
Important ecosystem services - like flood regulation, coastal protection and water purification - and plant and animal habitats are threatened.
Decision makers are faced with an increasingly challenging legal and global economic framework:
• EU Directives such as the Birds and Habitats or the Water Frameworks Directives need to be properly implemented.
• In order to maintain their competitive position and thus ensure the economic prosperity of the region, the large ports need to be further developed.
Climate change is likely to exacerbate these problems in the future, unless appropriate compensation and mitigation measures are found.
In order to keep the ports operating, increased maintenance dredging and improved sediment management is necessary.
Estuarine ecosystem functions are endangered
Important ecosystem services - like flood regulation, coastal protection and water purification - and plant and animal habitats are threatened.
Decision makers are faced with an increasingly challenging legal and global economic framework:
• EU Directives such as the Birds and Habitats or the Water Frameworks Directives need to be properly implemented.
• In order to maintain their competitive position and thus ensure the economic prosperity of the region, the large ports need to be further developed.
Climate change is likely to exacerbate these problems in the future, unless appropriate compensation and mitigation measures are found.
objective
TIDE makes integrated management and planning a reality in the Elbe, Weser, Schelde and Humber estuaries
approach
TIDE takes into account the ecological, economical and societal needs of the regions involved, and interlinks the multiple processes and large scale efforts taking place in the estuaries.
TIDE integrates the knowledge and solutions generated by previous projects such as HARBASINS, SedNet, and New!Delta (e.g. optimised sediment management strategies, revitalisation scheme of side river arms).
TIDE also draws from the numerous management plans that have been or are being prepared as a response to urgent issues like flood prevention or sediment increase, and/or in compliance with EU directives.
TIDE looks for effective integration of the substantial investments that are realised or in the planning process in these estuaries.
TIDE integrates the knowledge and solutions generated by previous projects such as HARBASINS, SedNet, and New!Delta (e.g. optimised sediment management strategies, revitalisation scheme of side river arms).
TIDE also draws from the numerous management plans that have been or are being prepared as a response to urgent issues like flood prevention or sediment increase, and/or in compliance with EU directives.
TIDE looks for effective integration of the substantial investments that are realised or in the planning process in these estuaries.
project activities
Science
TIDE improves knowledge about estuary functioning. For the first time, the resilience quantification method allows for inter-estuarine comparisons. This knowledge reduces the risk of one-issue actions resulting from isolated concerns.
Governance
TIDE improves the effectiveness of policy mechanisms and instruments in each region. Operating via regional working groups bringing together various stakeholders, it realises integrated management and governance in each region.
Measures
TIDE compares, assesses and plans mitigation and compensation measures (i.e. sediment traps, new dredging methods, restoration of river shores). It also jointly develops new, solution-oriented mitigation methods.
Information
TIDE raises awareness of the issues at stake among the different target groups, ranging from EU policy makers to estuary residents. On this basis, it increases understanding and acceptance of necessary changes.
Transnational
TIDE brings together the best available knowledge and practices from within the TIDE regions and beyond. This is ensured through jointly agreed work plans and methodologies resulting from continuous exchange of experience and knowledge among TIDE partners.
Documentation
TIDE experience is synthesized in a joint TIDE toolbox including:
• assessment tools with a new resilience quantification approach
• governance box with a roadmap to integrated estuarine management planning
• measure box showing pre-conditions and results of various measures
Experience transfer
The TIDE toolbox is presented to other planners, managers and decision-makers of other estuaries and related ecosystems in “TIDE on Tour” seminars.
TIDE improves knowledge about estuary functioning. For the first time, the resilience quantification method allows for inter-estuarine comparisons. This knowledge reduces the risk of one-issue actions resulting from isolated concerns.
Governance
TIDE improves the effectiveness of policy mechanisms and instruments in each region. Operating via regional working groups bringing together various stakeholders, it realises integrated management and governance in each region.
Measures
TIDE compares, assesses and plans mitigation and compensation measures (i.e. sediment traps, new dredging methods, restoration of river shores). It also jointly develops new, solution-oriented mitigation methods.
Information
TIDE raises awareness of the issues at stake among the different target groups, ranging from EU policy makers to estuary residents. On this basis, it increases understanding and acceptance of necessary changes.
Transnational
TIDE brings together the best available knowledge and practices from within the TIDE regions and beyond. This is ensured through jointly agreed work plans and methodologies resulting from continuous exchange of experience and knowledge among TIDE partners.
Documentation
TIDE experience is synthesized in a joint TIDE toolbox including:
• assessment tools with a new resilience quantification approach
• governance box with a roadmap to integrated estuarine management planning
• measure box showing pre-conditions and results of various measures
Experience transfer
The TIDE toolbox is presented to other planners, managers and decision-makers of other estuaries and related ecosystems in “TIDE on Tour” seminars.
partners
Hamburg Port Authority
Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency
Free Hanseatic City of Bremen
University of Bremen
Rijkswaterstaat
Flemish Authorities, Department of Mobility and Public Works
Maritime Access Division
Maritime Access Division
Antwerp Port Authority
University of Antwerp
Environment Agency
Institute of Estuarine & Coastal Studies, Hull
