Durban Central Beachfront Dune Rehabilitation

Overview

The key climate change challenges for this project were the protection oof infrastructure against wave surge and climate change induced seal level rise, as well as the management of wind-blown sand from beaches and the creation of an attractive green space.

This project involves the augmentation and protection of existing dunes, where possible, through the extension of frontal dune zones. This is achieved by erecting sacrifical fencing (to aid dune development) and timber boardwalks (to define beach access points), as well as planting of indigenous dune plants. It has resulted in the establishment of a new frontal dune zone along extensive streatches of the Promenade and has required the introduction of a regular maintenance regime.

The value of dunes in managing wind-blown sand has led to the extension of this work in the South Beach and Bay of Plenty areas, but it has also highlighted the need for an ongoing maintenance regime. Various practical lessons have been learnt with regard to design, selection of materials and construction.

Durban eThekwini Municipality South Africa
updated 04/2013 by Nidhi