A global synthesis of the effectiveness of sedimentation-enhancing strategies for river deltas and estuaries

Deltas worldwide are at risk of elevation loss and drowning due to relative sea-level rise. Management strategies to restore or enhance sedimentation on delta plains, Sedimentation-Enhancing Strategies (hereafter SES), are now being pursued in many deltas but there has been limited cross-disciplinary and cross-delta review. Here we compare 21 existing and planned SES, synthesizing their physical characteristics, funding, governance arrangements, stakeholder engagement, process of implementation, environmental impact, land use change, and potential for upscaling. Strategies exist at various scales, from ~0.05 km2 - 500 km2. 79% of strategies are capable of outpacing high rates of sea-level rise. Cheaper strategies are limited to short term impacts and small spatial scales, while more expensive strategies can have longer lifetimes. Most strategies create wetlands and flood water storage. Some create opportunities for agriculture, aquaculture, housing, or recreational land use. Combinations of SES will likely be the most effective and sustainable method for maintaining elevation in river deltas.

Automated summary

A comparison of 21 existing and planned Sedimentation-Enhancing Strategies (SES) shows that most strategies are capable of outpacing high rates of sea-level rise, creating wetlands, flood water storage, and opportunities for agriculture, aquaculture, housing, or recreational land use. Combinations of multiple SES are likely the most effective and sustainable method for maintaining elevation in river deltas.