Managed Realignment (MR) along the Eastern German Baltic Sea: A Catalyst for Conflict or for a Coastal Zone Management Consensus

Abstract

ABSTRACT de la Vega-Leinert, A.C.; Stoll-Kleemann, S., and Wegener, E., 2018. Managed realignment (MR) along the Eastern German Baltic Sea: A catalyst for conflict or for a coastal zone management consensus. Managed Realignment (MR), which involves the removal of coastal defences or their relocation further inland, is a desirable option for demographically and economically marginal rural areas, from scientific, political and managerial perspectives. In Europe, MR is reshaping coastal landscapes, and, though not directly endangering lives, is affecting people's sense of safety and control over their land and livelihoods. This can elicit conflict, but also foster consensus. In this study, participatory qualitative research methods were used to investigate stakeholders' perceptions and preferences with regard to coastal land management strategies on the eastern German Baltic coast in the state of Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania. MR reflects a change in the way in which coastal land is valued, with supporting a...