Technical Guidelines 'Permeable Structures'

This technical guideline discusses the application of permeable structures as a close-to-nature and sustainable solution to increase sedimentation along eroded coastlines to allow re-colonisation of mangroves and thus a stabilization of the intertidal area.

Mangrove recolonization using permeable structures is currently being applied in Central Java (Indonesia), in the Mekong Delta (Vietnam, see Appendix 1) and near Paramaribo (Surinam). The same technique has been applied very successfully for centuries in the Netherlands and in Germany to create salt marshes and floodplains protecting the sea defence.

This guideline is designed for governmental agencies at national, provincial and district level that execute tender for the restoration of coastlines. It also provides guidance to the private sector to support the design and construction of permeable structures in restoration programs. In addition, the guideline will be useful for the international community working with Building with Nature and green and natural infrastructure.