Coastal ecosystems include intertidal zones, eelgrass meadows, estuaries, lagoons, barachois, salt marshes, mudflats, beaches, cliffs, shores, and dunes. In some coastal systems, there are several successive dunes.
These protect the interior of the land from erosion. Property damage is often caused by storm surges that eat away at the dunes when they are weakened by lack of vegetation.
A healthy coastal zone is essential to environmental sustainability and community well-being. Its natural features provide a habitat for many species. The coastal zone is also important to the economy of coastal regions, thanks to tourism, recreation and fishing.
Dunes are formed by the action of wind and waves depositing sand on the coast. The accumulated sand is gradually covered by several layers of vegetation at different stages of growth. Shaped by the force of wind and waves, dunes and beaches are constantly moving. This cycle, which varies with each season and year, is part of their natural process.
The vegetation on the dunes is of fundamental importance. With their roots, they hold the sand in place and prevent the dunes from eroding. Thanks to them you can enjoy our beautiful sandy beaches.
Dune protection and restoration is a priority for Vision H2O. Since 2005, the group has been using dune restoration techniques (marram grass plantation, Christmas trees, snow fencing) in order to conserve our dunes and improve some that are degraded. This helps educate and raise awareness of the importance of the dunes and to develop partnerships with community associations.
The project aims to conserve dunes and coastal areas to protect habitats such as wetlands, salt and freshwater marshes, forests and the infrastructure behind them. Coastal dunes are important and act as natural barriers or breakwaters that protect us from waves and storm surges. They also serve as habitat for several plant and animal species.
Here are some good habits to practice when visiting the coastal zone:
The Living Shorelines Method - The Living Shorelines approach uses living plants and biomass to protect coastlines from erosion. This approach also improves the health of our coastlines by helping to stabilize coastal ecosystems and creating habitat for native species.
Vision H2O organizes beach clean-ups at which the public is invited to participate. This activity is called "Ménage ton rivage" and is managed by Gestion H2O, an organization based in northern NB. This program aims to raise public awareness of the importance of keeping our beaches and coastal environment clean.
Our Healthy Dune campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy dune ecosystem.
Copyright © 2024 Vision H2O
