Digital Twins for Enhancing Coastal Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions

Approximately 40% of the global population resides within 100 kilometers of the coastline, making these regions highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Increasing risks of coastal erosion, flooding, and biodiversity loss necessitate robust monitoring and effective protection strategies. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), particularly those involving coastal vegetation such as seagrass, salt marshes, and mangroves, offer sustainable approaches to mitigate these threats. NBS not only reduce erosion and wave energy but also enhance carbon sequestration and support biodiversity, aligning with climate adaptation and mitigation goals.

This study presents an innovative Digital Twin (DT) application that integrates advanced hydrodynamic, wave, and morphodynamic models with artificial intelligence components. This DT application serves as a virtual representation of coastal environments, enabling dynamic simulations of complex interactions between natural processes and human interventions.  Integrated observational, coupled modelling framework and artificial intelligence facilitates the forecasting of prospective risks for oceanic regions and the evaluation of potential mitigation strategies. However, these systems are dependent on the input of expert technical knowledge. The introduction of the DT as a methodology for addressing environmental challenges provides a novel instrument that serves as a virtual replica of the ocean. By conducting comprehensive "What-If" scenarios, the DT assesses the effectiveness of NBS under varying climate conditions and informs coastal management strategies.

Our demonstration focuses on the German Bight, using scenario analysis to evaluate the risk reduction capabilities of seagrass meadows. The simulations reveal significant changes in hydrodynamic properties, including reductions in wave heights and bottom stress, which help to stabilize sediments and lower erosion risks.

The containerized DT application, integrated within platforms like EDITO-Infra, provides a user-friendly interface for stakeholders, allowing them to explore and assess NBS measures without requiring specialized technical expertise. This tool empowers decision-makers to evaluate and implement sustainable coastal protection strategies effectively, offering a scalable solution adaptable to diverse coastal regions.

The findings show the critical role of Digital Twins in advancing the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions, supporting a shift towards more resilient and adaptive coastal management practices.  Through various WIS, this DT approach offers actionable insights for optimizing ecosystem services, reducing erosion risks, and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities in the face of climate change.