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Ecology, management and monitoring of grey dunes in Flanders
Provoost, S.; Ampe, C.; Bonte, D.; Cosyns, E.; Hoffmann, M. (2004). Ecology, management and monitoring of grey dunes in Flanders. J. Coast. Conserv. 10(1): 33-42
In: Journal of Coastal Conservation. Opulus/Springer: Uppsala. ISSN 1400-0350; e-ISSN 1874-7841, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Biochemical phenomena > Decalcification
    Biodiversity
    Ecology
    Management
    Monitoring
    Topographic features > Beach features > Dunes
    Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link [WoRMS]
    Belgium, Belgian Coast [Marine Regions]

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Abstract
    Grey dunes are a priority habitat type of the European Union Habitats Directive and demand special attention for conservation and management. Knowledge of the ecology of coastal grey dunes can contribute to this policy. Dune grassland succession is initiated by fixation and driven by the complex of soil formation (humus accumulation) and vegetation development. Leaching and mobilization of CaCO3, which are important in nutrient dynamics, complicate the picture. At present, grass- and scrub encroachment greatly overrules these fine scaled soil processes and causes substantial loss of regional biodiversity. Belgium has an international responsibility in grey dune conservation because of the limited range of its characteristic vegetation, flora and fauna. As biomass removal seems essential in grassland preservation, grazing is an important management tool. Evaluation of management measures focuses on biodiversity measurements on the levels of landscape, community and species

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