Sustainable Shoreline Development

A large portion of the world’s economy depends on shorelines.  Whether it’s for product transportation, tourism or even real estate, shorelines have become an essential fixture. 

This can cause many problems for wildlife depending on that sand.  Also, in an extremely ironic twist, it can also cause problems for buildings and structures along the shoreline.  As the ground loses foundation, the buildings are at risk for collapsing. 

To address these problems, more shoreline owners are considering sustainable shoreline development.  What is sustainable shoreline development? 

Sustainable shoreline development is the process of finding ways to lessen erosion, in hopes of ensuring the area’s wildlife and overall ecology are preserved. 

Building fewer buildings along shorelines is one of the best ways to attain sustainable shoreline development.  But, for the shoreline owner, how do they decide what to allow? 

This will depend on their own values and preferences.  If they are truly concerned about sustainability as a whole, they may only allow their shorelines to be used for economic purposes, such as fishing or transportation. 

Cruise ships could even be included in this list because they provide job opportunities for thousands of people. 
On the other hand, perhaps a shoreline owner wants to create a unique escape for those wanting to live along the water. 

This is okay for sustainable shoreline development, just as long as they don’t go overboard.  Only a few houses should be allowed. 

Things can be even better if the shoreline owner only supports sustainable builders. The other side of the spectrum involves using landscaping for sustainable shoreline development. 

The intention in this process is to allow plants and other organic matter to prevent the erosion process.  It is highly effective and even aesthetically pleasing to those living or working along the shoreline. 

One company that specializes in this form of sustainable shoreline development is Sustainable Shoreline Landscapes.  They can offer landscaping for shorelines at ponds, rivers and lakes.

Are there any other solutions for sustainable shoreline development?  Well, some have tried dredging, (using manmade structures to prevent erosion) and beach re-nourishment, but these methods don’t work well. 

They tend to be very expensive and don’t really solve the problem.  Plus, they don’t add anything environmentally or aesthetically. 

In fact, dredging not only creates more structures onto the shoreline, it can also pose for other problems if they are not built in a sustainable manner.

In conclusion, sustainable shoreline development needs to be on the mind of every shoreline owner in the world. 

If it isn’t the consequences could be dire for both the environment and the people living or working along the shore. 

Besides, is sustainable shoreline development really that complex?  If you can’t limit the number of structures on your shoreline, then consider landscaping. 

It not only is environmentally sound, but it adds a lot of beauty to your property.