EUROSION: Case Study: Western Coast of Finland

The coasts of Finland are characterized by a rapidly advancing shoreline, brackish water, a micro-tidal environment and a damp climate with moderate winds and long, severe winters. Because of the absence of any significant tide, relative sea level decline (due to land uplift) and moderate wave climate, coastal defence is not an issue in Finland.

The occurrence of erosion of the coastal dunes does not threaten the safety of the hinterland, buildings or recreational possibilities. The eroded areas are mostly desolate and enough safety is preserved because the coastal dunes are very wide. Therefore, some erosion of these coastal dunes is not considered a problem and no measures are taken to stop the erosion.