Rising together: Landscape architectural scenarios for Spiekeroog facing sea level rise

The rise in sea level due to climate change can no longer be denied, nor can it be stopped. Extreme forecasts predict that sea levels will rise by one meter by 2100 and by as much as five meters by 2300. In Germany, the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony is particularly affected. The chain of islands off the mainland currently serves as a buffer from the effects of the increased storm surges. The motto of this project is „Rising together“. By observing island processes and needs, adaptation methods were determined. Through sand reclamation, a targeted increase in elevation of Spiekeroog island can be achieved. Through a look at island formation and history, ecosystem-based coastal protection measures were derived. The concept is based on the recognition of process dynamics between and within biotic and abiotic actants on and around Spiekeroog. Ecosystem-based effects are used to revive the dynamics and preserve the core of the island for human use. The goal is to achieve ecosystem resilience with the help of periodic anthropogenic initialization.