Open-air Laboratory
Scotland UK
The OAL-Scotland is located at Catterline Bay, a dramatic beauty spot (Aberdeenshire; WGS84 Long: -2.21 Lat: 56.90;) that featured in the work of acclaimed Scottish artist Joan Eardley is a bay off the North Sea, part of which is failing due to shallow landslides and is affected by coastal erosion. The site belongs to the temperate humid climate region, with a mean annual temperature of 8º C and mean annual rainfall of ca. 600 mm. It boasts of places of tourist interest as well as a strong local community, farmlands, recreational activities as well as fishing.
Scotland UK
The instability of the slope, together with shallow landslides and coastal erosion threatens the stability of buildings and livelihoods at the top of the bay and has the potential to diminish the beauty of the place as well as poses threats to lives and livelihoods. Catterline Bay hosts a small residential community (ca. 150 inhabitants) settled atop the cliffs and slopes. Catterline’s residents are actively involved in the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) against landslides and coastal erosion hazards through the Catterline Braes Action Group –i.e. CBAG.
Motivation for choice according to hazard exposure and asset value
Coastal erosion, storm surge, flooding and landslides Culturally important area, adjacent to the Fowlsheugh coastal nature reserve (tourism) Economically important agriculture/fishery areaPossible nature-based and hybrid solutions
Eco-engineering solutions to reduce erosion Enhance stability of earthworks and natural slopesTo learn more about the OAL-Scotland please visit the interactive page with detailed information regarding the hazards they face and how NBS is providing solutions.
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Hazards
Across the world, we are facing challenges like disaster risk everyday. Some of us are living in areas where disasters are very likely. Which challenges are you facing in your area? Flood, landslides, coastal erosion, drought, something else?
Landslides
Landslides are caused by disturbances in the natural stability of a slope and defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth. To deal with the risk of landsliding, OPERANDUM has implemented multiple Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
Coastal Erosion & Storm Surge
Coastal erosion is the loss of land along the shoreline due to the natural removal of sediments or bedrock from the shoreline. It is often associated with extreme weather events such as coastal storms, storm surge and flooding.
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