As sea levels continue to rise around the world, coastal cities are searching for ways to protect their communities while preserving the qualities that make them attractive places to live, work and visit. The Hague, the Netherlands' only major city located directly on the North Sea coast, is taking a long-term approach.
The "city by the sea"
The municipality has unveiled a vision for adapting to sea level rise through to 2100 and beyond, positioning itself as an active partner in one of the country's most pressing climate challenges. While flood protection in the Netherlands is primarily managed by national and regional authorities, The Hague is helping shape how future water safety measures can also support urban development, nature, recreation and economic vitality.
"Being a city by the sea is part of our identity. At the same time, rising sea levels make us vulnerable. This vision is the starting point for preparing together with residents, businesses and partners for the future."
Working with nature
At the heart of the city's preferred approach is a concept known as City Behind the Dunes. Rather than relying mainly on higher seawalls and engineered barriers, the scenario proposes strengthening the coastline through natural processes.
Over the coming decades, a dune landscape around 200 metres wide could gradually emerge along the Scheveningen coastline through sand nourishment and dynamic dune management. As the dunes grow, the beach would slowly move seaward, creating a coastal system capable of adapting to rising sea levels.
The approach follows the Dutch principle of "soft where possible, hard where necessary" and reflects growing international interest in nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
Beyond flood protection, the expanded dune landscape could create additional space for biodiversity, recreation and public green areas, while helping to maintain the unique character of Scheveningen as a seaside destination.
A vision backed by research and public support
The future perspective was developed in collaboration with experts from organisations including Deltares, Delft University of Technology, the Province of South Holland and the Delfland Water Authority. Residents, entrepreneurs and visitors were also invited to contribute their views.
Public support for the dune-based approach proved strong. During the participation process, 77 per cent of respondents selected City Behind the Dunes as their preferred long-term scenario, citing its green character, liveability and ability to provide a lasting solution for future generations.
Economic analysis also points in the same direction. A social cost-benefit assessment concluded that the dune scenario delivers the greatest overall societal value compared with alternative approaches, reducing future flood risks while creating benefits for nature, public space and local communities.
A ‘living lab’ for coastal adaptation
The Hague's ambitions extend beyond long-term planning. Supported by European Horizon funding, the city will launch further research into coastal adaptation, including pilot projects that test natural dune formation in urban environments.
The programme will also include educational initiatives, public engagement activities and international knowledge exchange, helping residents better understand the implications of sea level rise while contributing insights to other coastal regions facing similar challenges.
For a city that has long built its reputation around international cooperation and innovation, the challenge of sea level rise presents an opportunity to demonstrate how climate adaptation, urban development and nature can work together.
As coastal communities worldwide confront an uncertain future, The Hague is exploring how living safely with the sea can become part of a sustainable future rather than a threat to it.
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