Coastal Dunes

Coastal dunes are dynamic landforms created by the interaction of wind, sand, vegetation, and ocean processes. Found along shorelines worldwide, dunes act as natural barriers between marine and terrestrial environments.

Vegetation such as beach grass and salt-tolerant shrubs helps stabilize shifting sands, allowing dune systems to develop over time. These habitats support specialized plants, insects, reptiles, shorebirds, and nesting species adapted to harsh coastal conditions.

Dune ecosystems play a critical role in protecting inland communities from storm surges, coastal flooding, and erosion. They also function as important freshwater reservoirs in some coastal regions.

Despite their resilience, dunes are highly vulnerable to human disturbance. Development, recreational activity, invasive species, and sea-level rise continue to threaten many dune systems globally.

As climate change intensifies coastal hazards, healthy dune ecosystems are increasingly recognized as essential components of natural coastal defence infrastructure.