Sustainable sand solutions: from challenge to opportunity

The partners in the Sustainable Use of Sand in Nature-based Solutions (SUSANA) project are committed to sustainable sand use to achieve nature-based solutions for a greener future. This gives rise to a new approach to coastal protection and construction activities.

• Reimagining Resources: The North Sea's sand is pivotal for construction and coastaldefenses. Our investigations examine how lower quality finer-grained sand, oftenoverlooked, might hold tremendous potential for these applications in Belgium andelsewhere, aligning with global sustainability goals.
• Innovative analysis: By examining dredged sediments, we're unveiling the untapped value of these sediments. Our detailed studies in Oostende and Zeebrugge reveal significant amounts of sand, promosing for future use. 
• Cutting-edge techniques: Our approach combines vibrocore sampling, high-resolution imaging and acoustic measurements to assess sediment quality and quantity with unprecedented precision. This meticulous research offers a glimpse into the future of resource management.

• A Wealth of Sand: Preliminary estimates indicate millions of tonnes of sediment are available for sustainable exploitation. This not only supports coastal resilience, but also promotes circularity in resource use.
• Diverse potential: the variability in sediment quality underscores the importance of tailored strategies for sand use, highlighting areas for further exploration and innovation.