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Recently, ZEHO ECO has made significant strides in transforming artificial seawalls into vibrant ecosystems by employing the design concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This innovative technology, along with its core process, has been successfully applied for national patents.

The project is situated in the southeastern area of Binhai Bay New Area. A decade ago, it was a breeding pond characterized by scattered acacia and local mangroves. Subsequently, through land reclamation, it evolved into a vital component of the overall landscape and ecological pattern of Jiaoyi Bay. Following meticulous field investigations and analysis, it was determined that the demonstration section experiences an irregular semi-diurnal tide, influenced by the tides from Lingdingyang Ocean. The flood tide exhibits mixed characteristics, making it a highly dynamic coastal region with artificial seawalls. The existing seawall presents various challenges, including altered hydrodynamic conditions, impermeable materials, a low beach surface, insufficient ecological foundation, fragmented landscape, and limited space for implementation.

Identification of site issues

Considering the aforementioned challenges, ZEHO ECO has adopted Ecological engineering technology, rooted in the NbS concept, to revitalize the coastal zone's ecological foundation. This approach ensures the preservation of moisture-proof and flood control functions while maintaining the required level of physical protection. By combining manual repairs with natural engineering methods, the project achieves the naturalization, ecological enhancement, and aesthetic improvement of the shoreline. These efforts aim to enhance the seawall's climate adaptability while preserving its vital functions.

To effectively address the challenges associated with low survival rates of coastal vegetation in high-energy environments and the costly offshore construction, the project introduces an innovative approach: the utilization of prefabricated coastal plant ecological modules and assembly techniques. These modules are comprised of specially coated steel wires, wooden structures, plant fiber composites, and porous rubble structures. They serve the purpose of establishing an ecological foundation that facilitates wave dissipation, soil consolidation, water permeability, and emulates the characteristics of a porous intertidal zone. Considering the conditions of the vertical seawall site, a stepped layout is implemented for the modules. Paired with suitable mangrove and semi-mangrove species based on the tide level, this layout not only softens the appearance of the seawall interface but also enhances the overall landscape value of the site. This integration of ecological modules and suitable vegetation aims to improve the survival rate of coastal vegetation, reduce offshore construction costs, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.

Coastal plant ecological module and assembly technology

During the habitat design process, a combination of plant modules and natural riprap enclosures is utilized to establish a scientifically balanced beach forest ratio. This design approach serves multiple purposes, including providing feeding grounds for benthic organisms and birds, as well as creating ample space for natural plant succession. The overall objective is to develop a diverse coastal ecosystem comprising "salt marsh, semi-mangrove habitat, mangrove habitat, tidal beach habitat, and benthic microorganism habitat." By incorporating these elements, the project aims to foster a thriving and interconnected habitat that supports various species and promotes ecological resilience.

Furthermore, the project introduces innovative marine machinery and tools, incorporating the principles of prefabricated building and port water transportation engineering into the ecological restoration process of the coastal zone. By optimizing the configuration and reinforcing lifting points, the project enhances the efficiency and safety of offshore construction, while also improving the stability of ecological restoration efforts. Additionally, this approach helps in reducing overall construction costs. Through the integration of advanced techniques and equipment, the project aims to achieve a more streamlined, safe, and cost-effective process for ecological restoration in the coastal zone.

Application of new materials in the subtidal zone

Upon completion of the demonstration section, there has been a substantial increase in vegetation coverage, accompanied by significant improvements in the coastal ecosystem. The implementation of innovative coastal ecological landscapes has successfully transformed the coastal interface into an aesthetically pleasing and ecologically restored area. This achievement has resulted in the creation of a safe, diverse, resilient, and sustainable coastal space, fostering the vibrancy of coastal cities. Additionally, it has enhanced the ecological value and service functions of the coastal zone, making a positive impact on the overall ecological well-being of the area.

before restoration

after restoration

before restoration

after restoration

before restoration

after restoration

before restoration

after restoration

Comprehensive benefit evaluation of the project

Leveraging two decades of experience in river and lake ecological restoration and coastal engineering, ZEHO ECO has pioneered the integration of traditional coastal engineering with ecological modification, evolving it into an advanced Ecological Engineering Methods (EEM) technology system. This innovative approach combines the principles of coastal engineering with the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and has been successfully applied to various scenarios in China. These scenarios include artificial coastlines, muddy coastlines, bedrock coastlines, sandy coastlines, and biological coastlines. The EEM technology system provides valuable engineering solutions that serve as a reference for nature-based solutions in different environmental contexts.