Green-grey infrastructure
Mangrove infrastructure positions mangroves as a powerful natural extension of coastal engineering, turning dykes, levees, harbors, and breakwaters into hybrid defenses that are strong, resilient, and sustainable. As seas rise and storms intensify, mangrove infrastructure deliver superior protection, stabilize coastlines, support biodiversity, and generate long‑term ecological and economic value that traditional grey infrastructure alone cannot match.
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Mangrove Infrastructure integrates mangroves directly into coastal and marine engineering works—such as dykes, levees, harbors, and breakwaters—creating hybrid solutions where grey infrastructure is reinforced by natural systems. As coastal regions experience rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and accelerating erosion, combining engineered structures with mangrove buffers offers a more resilient and sustainable alternative to traditional designs. These hybrid systems enhance flood protection, stabilize sediments, support biodiversity, and deliver long-term ecological and economic value.
Our Approach
Mangrove infrastructure is a hybrid, engineering led nature-based solution that uses targeted interventions to create the physical and hydrological conditions required for mangroves to establish, regenerate, and thrive alongside built infrastructure. Van Oord combines advanced marine engineering with ecological design to stabilize coastlines and enhance the functionality of existing or new protective structures.
Key activities
Comprehensive site assessments, using GIS mapping, UAV/drone surveys, and field studies to understand hydrology, salinity, sediment dynamics, and socioeconomic drivers.
Hydrological engineering and design tailoring hybrid green-grey solutions to local site conditions. Examples are shaping or reopening tidal channels, adjusting soil elevation, placing dredged material to create platforms suitable for mangrove growth, or installation of geotubes or other semipermeable barriers to reduce wave energy, trap sediment, and protect young mangroves during establishment.
Assisted natural regeneration, where natural recovery is encouraged; and strategic planting of locally sourced seedlings where necessary.
Community engagement through workshops, capacity building, and participatory planning, ensuring local stewardship and long-term project success.
Compliance and governance, including environmental impact assessments, monitoring programmes, and alignment with national and local regulations to safeguard project delivery.
