Protective structures as adaptive management strategy in Nature-based Solutions to mitigate sea level rise effects

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that integrate salt marshes with traditional coastal protection structures are gaining interest in the face of ongoing climate change. However, major uncertainties remain about the combined impact of sea level rise and marsh-supporting management measures (e.g. nourishments and brushwood dams) on vegetation establishment. This study presents inundation percentages, bed level changes and vegetation characteristics of the dominant pioneer species of the constructed Marconi salt marsh for the growing season of 2021. This field data identified hydrodynamic and morphodynamic thresholds for vegetation establishment: