Living sea walls are nature-based coastal protection structures designed to mimic natural shorelines. Instead of using solid concrete barriers, they incorporate features like textured surfaces, crevices, and modular panels that support marine life. These structures reduce wave energy, limit erosion, and create habitats for fish, shellfish, and seaweed. In the Caribbean, where coastlines are vital for tourism, fisheries, and community livelihoods, living sea walls offer a softer, more sustainable alternative to traditional “hard” infrastructure.
More broadly, they fall under the category of “living shorelines,” which use natural materials—such as sand, mangroves, and oyster beds—to stabilize coasts while preserving ecological functions.
Feasibility & Local Applicability
Living sea walls are highly feasible in parts of the Dutch Caribbean, especially along gently sloping coastlines like the southern shores of Bonaire and Curaçao. These areas are less exposed to high wave energy, making them suitable for modular installations. Aruba and St. Maarten, with their urbanized waterfronts, could benefit from hybrid designs that combine ecological features with structural reinforcement. Pilot projects could be integrated into existing tourism zones or marina developments.
Co-benefits
Beyond erosion control, living sea walls enhance biodiversity by creating habitats for marine organisms. They improve water quality through natural filtration and can become educational or recreational assets. In tourism-driven economies like Aruba and Curaçao, these structures can be designed to blend with the landscape and attract snorkelers or eco-tourists. Some designs even incorporate high-tech features to optimize habitat creation, such as 3D-printed reef textures.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Living sea walls can help protect vulnerable coastal communities from storm surge and sea-level rise. They offer a more inclusive approach to adaptation by preserving access to the shoreline and supporting local fisheries. However, careful planning is needed to ensure that benefits reach marginalized groups and that installations do not disrupt traditional coastal uses. Community involvement in design and maintenance can strengthen local ownership and resilience.
Costs
Medium – High | The cost of living sea walls varies depending on design and location. Estimates suggest around US$20,800 per linear foot, which can be higher than traditional seawalls but offer long-term savings through reduced maintenance and added ecosystem services. Funding opportunities may exist through climate adaptation grants, tourism partnerships, or regional resilience programs.
Case studies & Examples
- International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure- living sea walls explainer
- Blue Port Infrastructure at the Port of Vigo- Living Ports Project
Literature
- Jacobsen, R. (2019). Beyond seawalls. Scientific American, 320(4), 32-37.
- IDB. (2022) Building a more resilient and low carbon Caribbean. Report 4. Infrastructure Resilience in the Caribbean through Nature based Solutions
- Valero, S.; Miranda, J.J.; Murisic, M. (2021). Nature-Based Solutions for Improving Resilience in the Caribbean: 360° Resilience Background Paper. World Bank.
- World Bank. (2016). Managing Coasts with Natural Solutions: Guidelines for Measuring and Valuing the Coastal Protection Services of Mangroves and Coral Reefs. M. W. Beck and G-M. Lange, editors. Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services Partnership (WAVES), World Bank, Washington, DC.