The focus of subproject 3 is on the ecological functions and processes of natural and anthropogenically influenced dunes for coastal protection on the inhabited East Frisian Islands. In particular, geo-morphological and vegetation-ecological differences between protective dunes and natural dunes will be identified and their effects on ecosystem services such as coastal protection will be analyzed. The aim is to find out what contribution dunes make to coastal protection and how coastal protection services can be optimized by promoting their nature conservation value. In addition, the attitude and acceptance of the island’s population towards dunes as a flood protection measure is to be ascertained.

For this purpose, historical and recent dune reinforcements are localized in order to compare natural and anthropogenic dunes of the East Frisian Islands. On both dune types, vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens are mapped along discontinuous transects running across the dune crest. Vegetation analysis will be used, for example, to determine plant communities. Soil analysis should provide information about the abiotic development of the dunes. The succession series from embryonic dunes to brown dunes will be investigated in order to take into account dunes of different ages. Questionnaire-based interviews will be carried out for the islander survey.