Enhancing Sustainable Coastal Development through Ecological Engineering

Abstract

Reclamation and marine infrastructure projects often adopted simple artificial vertical or slope seawalls as coastal defences against wave action, flooding and land erosion. However, these structures do not possess any microhabitats that can be readily occupied and used by marine organisms as refuges and feeding grounds. Through incorporating the knowledge of marine ecology and collaboration with ecologists, engineers now are able to design eco-friendly artificial structures to serve dual roles as coastal defences and functional ecosystems for enhancing marine biodiversity and ecosystem function. In this talk, I will introduce the basic ecological principles for eco-engineered shoreline designs and draw examples from different parts of the world. I will particularly highlight the World Harbour Project (www.worldharbourproject.org) and ongoing trials of eco-engineered shoreline designs carried out in Hong Kong.