Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures aim to reduce and manage the risks that storms, floods and erosion pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. This section provides information on coastal features, potential hazards and the measures that can be implemented to prevent damages, protect human populations and infrastructure, as well as mitigate and prepare for potential effects. Some of these measures are ‘hard’ engineering solutions, while other ‘soft’ approaches seek to work with nature, or increase local awareness. To have an overview of how to differentiate between the strategic alternatives, see here. The best results are often found, when different measures are combined in so-called ’strategic alternatives’.

Coasts are also complex and dynamic places. For this reason, considering the technical feasibility of measures alone is not enough. Effective DRR measures should address environmental and economic aspects as well as giving consideration to political, social and historical parameters.