Concluding Remarks

Abstract

This chapter summarises the main findings of previous chapters and identifies current experiences and future prospects concerning managed realignment. Increasingly managed realignment is seen as an alternative to traditional hard engineering with a capacity to deliver sustainable coastal management solutions that can account for climate change. The availability of suitable land and public acceptance are two important factors influencing the wider implementation of managed realignment. Recent national and regional strategies worldwide give managed realignment an increasing role in flood and erosion risk management; therefore, gaining stakeholders and public support is fundamental. The current understanding and uptake of managed realignment is hindered partly by the inconsistent use of the terminology. Adopting the definition proposed in Chap. 2 of this book, managed realignment is more widely implemented than first anticipated and experiences need to be more widely disseminated. Different regions and countries tend to adopt different managed realignment approaches. In the UK realignment of defences is a common managed realignment method; in Belgium controlled reduced tide is the preferred option; and in many countries the focus is on managed retreat (i.e. relocation of structures from high risk areas). Combining managed retreat and other managed realignment methods is the most climate-proof alternative to reduce people and property at risk from flooding and erosion. Fortunately, some countries are already working towards this long-term solution.