The International Conference on Coastal Engineering (ICCE) is a biannual event that gathers experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments and facilitate international knowledge exchange and collaboration. It is an initiative created in 2000 by the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute, a division of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

This year’s conference, held in Rome from 8-14 September, was sponsored by DEME Group, technical partner of Vital. There were more than 900 delegates from Asia, America and Europe discussing topics including climate change, eco-morpho dynamics, nature-based solutions, vegetation hydrodynamics and coastal management.

In a session dedicated to the Venice Lagoon, also featuring presentations on MOSE (the flood barrier system), and the North Adriatic Port Authority (AdSPMAS) ’s plans to reduce the impacts of shipping on the lagoon, Luca Sittoni (DEME) presented the preliminary results of Vital within the context of a general ambition to demonstrate the potential of working with nature to produce ecologically functional reconstructed wetlands. Vital was selected as a clear example of successful innovation in coastal infrastructure management based on enhancing ecosystem resilience via wetland restoration.

The presentation highlighted the project’s commitment to apply the latest scientific understanding to enhance the valuable work conducted in Venice over the past two decades.

The use of sediment to construct wetlands is not a novel concept, however the Vital initiative is already demonstrating the potential of refining these techniques for the creation of functional salt marshes. A deeper understanding of ecological dynamics is proving itself of value for designing more resilient infills.

This session at ICCE24 not only increased exposure, but it also brought new connections with other initiatives concerning nature-based solutions and associated expert researchers with experience relevant to the Vital project.