Van Aalsburg realizes sustainable coastal protection with natural processes and materials

The Dutch coastline is a valuable protection for our country, with beaches, dikes and dunes. Our coastline is constantly changing due to wind, waves and currents. This unique coast requires specialized care, which Van Aalsburg can provide. By using 'nature-based-solutions' such as marram grass, shifting fences and riding dams, the company helps to protect the coast and preserve the ecological value of the dunes.

Once the dune coast was completely natural and nature restored itself. An ongoing and endless process, and completely balanced. Unfortunately, our precious dune area has been affected from all sides by human intervention and natural processes have been cruelly disrupted. Fortunately, today we recognize the ecological importance of natural areas such as the dunes and understand that these areas require constant maintenance to maintain their value.

Protecting nature with nature

Van Aalsburg's "Building with Nature" concept offers solutions to climate change and sea level rise using natural processes and materials. "Through eco-engineering we can boost ecosystems," says Dick van Aalsburg. "The combination of protection and building must be optimally coordinated to create a future-proof coastal landscape."

Coastal protection with marram grass and drift fences

"Tallgrass and drift fences are two essential products we use in coastal protection," says Dick, who points out that these applications have been used for centuries for coastal protection. Tallgrass, with its deep-rooted roots, retains sand and prevents sand drifts, while contributing to biodiversity and CO2 sequestration. Dust fences, made of 100% Dutch willow, trap windblown sand and promote the building of new dunes. "These products work together to strengthen the stability of the coastline and prevent erosion," he said.

100% Dutch product 

"Tallgrass and drift fencing together form a natural barrier that protects the coast and provides space for flora and fauna," Dick says. He emphasizes that not only the products, but also Van Aalsburg's approach is natural. "Our focus is on sustainable management with authentic, circular, Dutch material. In doing so, our approach is truly local and regional." He notes that much wood in the civil engineering sector is imported. "However, we grow everything ourselves and our products have a plant passport and NAK horticultural certification, which is becoming increasingly important for clients such as the Department of Public Works. And so our projects remain 100% primal Dutch and environmentally friendly thanks to a minimal footprint of our work."

Good for people and nature

Sustainability at Van Aalsburg also means corporate social responsibility: the company offers employment opportunities to people with a distance to the labor market. "In this way, our projects deliver not only ecological value, but also social value," Dick says, and he is proud that Van Aalsburg recently achieved PSO level 3 certification for social enterprise.

A sustainable future

With projects in the Netherlands and abroad, Van Aalsburg shows that nature-friendly coastal protection can be effective and sustainable. "It is a proven method and a future-proof approach along the Belgian and Dutch coasts," Dick concludes. "With marram grass, shifting fences and riding dams, we offer a local, natural alternative that empowers nature itself."