L_Sittoni.mp4

Recording of presentations at the Suricates project closing conference

Title : Accelerating Sustainable Beneficial Use: How to Turn Guidelines into Practice

Authors : Luca SITTONI*1 1 Societa’ Italiana Dragaggi (SIDRA – DEME Group), via Carlo Zucchi 25, 00165, Rome (Italy) * Corresponding author e-mail: sittoni.luca@deme-group.com

Summary :

Sediment is a critical natural resource. Human activities interact with the natural sediment cycle, creating areas of sediment abundance, often local and limited in extension (e.g., harbor siltation), and areas of sediment scarcity, often influencing large areas (e.g., coastal erosion). This sediment unbalance is destined to increase with climate change.

Beneficial sediment use contributes to re-establishing natural sedimentary processes, delivering social and economic benefits, hence contributing to sustainability. In early 2023, PIANC Working Group 214 (WG214) published a guideline report on Sediment Beneficial Use (BU), focused on identifying key catalysts to promote BU and centered on sustainability principles. In parallel, various concrete pilot and commercial projects are ongoing where integrated BU is applied in practice. Yet, practical barriers exist to realize full BU potential.

This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of practice regarding BU, drawing from 2013 PIANC report and from practical experience in project execution and project development, with focus on the European Region. It will also provide an outlook of opportunities that sustainable practices, such as nature-based solutions or ecosystem restoration, offer.

Acknowledgements: The PIANC EnviCom Working Group 214 professional members for sharing their knowledge and inspiring discussions