GoCoase

GoCoase aims to assess potential adaptation strategies for climate change in the German Baltic Sea Region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This region anticipates rising sea levels and an increased incidence of extreme weather events (storm, swell, precipitation). Thus, with regard to new stress parameters, the existing and planned coastal infrastructure has to be examined and if necessary complemented. At the same time, settlements and economic uses (e.g. tourism, fisheries, agriculture, wind energy) result in further demands on the coastal zone which, in addition to the pure space consumption, are also reflected in vulnerable infrastructure and insurance values.

In close cooperation with the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Environment of Central Mecklenburg (Staatliches Amt für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt Mittleres Mecklenburg -  StALU MM), the Tourism Association of Coastal Resorts in Mecklenburg (Verband Mecklenburgischer Ostseebäder – VMO) and further decision-makers, the project is developing and evaluating adaptation strategies on a local and state level. The fundamental function of coastal protection will not be questioned, but different measures will be evaluated to achieve a given protection goal: Study results have shown that new concepts of “soft” coastal protection offer a possibility of development. However, in order to avoid conflicts, possible related land use changes need to be incorporated at an early stage into the decision-making process. Through workshops and public events, project results will be shared with target groups and made available for future decision support.

Project partner: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU) - Institut für Umwelt-, Ressourcen- und Regionalökonomik (Projektkoordination), Technische Universität Berlin (TU) - Fachgebiet Landschaftökonomie, Leibniz Universität Hannover - Ludwig-Franzius-Institut für Wasserbau, Ästuar- und Küsteningenieurwesen, EUCC- Die Küsten Union Deutschland e.V.

Duration: 2018 to 2021

Funded by: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)