Sand: wanted, both dead and alive. Use it wisely, warns the UN
Deltares is co-author of the latest Sand and Sustainability: An Essential Resource for Nature and Development report by the UN (UNEP) that warns of the sand gap. This gap results from the fact that humans are currently extracting sand faster than it replenishes in nature. The resulting dilemma we face is that humans depend on ‘dead’ sand for infrastructure and ‘living’ sand for ecosystem services. We must use both in balance with one another to live safely.
Sand that we use for infrastructure is lost forever for ecosystem services. Nature took hundreds of thousands of years to form sand through gradual, geological erosion processes. Yet we are consuming sand at a staggering rate of 50 billion tonnes per year; construction use alone is expected to rise by as much as 45 per cent by 2060. We are extracting it faster than it can recover – this is the sand shortage. There is therefore demand for sand in both its ‘dead’ and ‘living’ forms, but these uses are in direct competition with one another. To decide whether we should extract it or leave it in place, better data, mapping and monitoring are needed. It also requires greater transparency in extraction permits, project approvals and funding streams. Currently, around half of dredging companies operate in marine protected areas, accounting for 15% of the dredged volume.
Living sand is indispensable
Sand provides crucial habitats for fish, turtles, birds, crabs and countless other species, thereby supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance – which is essential for tourism and fisheries. It is indispensable for nature, food and water security. Leaving sand in ecosystems can contribute to achieving the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Target to conserve and manage 30 per cent of land, waters and seas (terrestrial, inland water and coastal and marine areas).
The third UNEP report on sand and sustainability, published today, calls on governments and industry to recognise the essential value of sand for development and nature, and to fully integrate biodiversity considerations into sand management. A strategic approach is needed for this resource, which forms the basis of our built environment and economic development whilst simultaneously preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Natalia Strigin, co-author and expert sustainable natural resource management at Deltares says about the report,“Tensions between sand as a resource for crucial socio-economic developments and innovation on the one hand and the protection of the very basis of our existence – the living ecosystems and biodiversity sustained by sand resources- on the other hand, has struck me again while working on this report. It is no simple problem to solve. At the same time, the discussions among authors and reviewers also showed that with greater collaboration and looking at the planning of sand resources alongside the promotion of alternative resources and innovations can open pathways to a better balance. It has been such an enriching experience to work with this diverse group of experts on the report. Drawing on this broad range of knowledge and expertise allowed us to look at the ‘sand gap’ challenge, i.e. the fact that we are extracting sand resources faster than it replenishes, from different angles, and I hope this richness in perspectives comes through in the report”.
Bridging the sand gap
In the Netherlands, Deltares contributes to improving sand resource governance by supporting the Dutch government in its assessment and planning of marine sand resources used for coastal protection and construction material input. Our work seeks to continuously strengthen the methods and approaches to include a thorough understanding of natural system dynamics, ecosystem functioning and potential cumulative impacts resulting from marine sand use. This knowledge is used to evaluate available resources and plan for adequate extraction. As Deltares, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise and to collaborate with partners to realize the recommendations outlined in this report, both at home and abroad.
Internationally, concerted efforts are needed to realize pathways to bridging the “sand gap”. A better understanding of demand and supply of sand resources (sand, gravel, crushed rock, and aggregates) at regional, national, and global level is needed. Without adequate insights into availability, uses, and cumulative impact of sand resource extraction, sustainable governance of these resources is impossible. Investments in the assessment of sand resource requirements needs to be coupled with an understanding of natural systems. Studies need to include the immediate and cumulative impacts of extraction, with greater attention to approaches that account for biodiversity.
Only with such an inclusive view will sand governance account for how sand resources shape how people live from, but also with, in, and as nature.
Natalia Strigin, expert sustainable natural resource management at Deltares
“Sand is sometimes called the unsung hero of development, but its essential role in maintaining the natural services on which we depend is even more frequently overlooked,” said Pascal Peduzzi, Director of the UNEP Global Resource Information Database in Geneva (UNEP/GRID-Geneva). “Sand is our first line of defence against sea-level rise, storm surges and the salinisation of coastal aquifers – all hazards exacerbated by climate change.”
Report and instrument sustainable sand management
The report, written by 27 experts from around the world, concludes with concrete policy measures and an assessment tool to support more sustainable sand management at local, national and regional levels (Marine Sand Watch).
Whether for development or nature, sand is an essential resource for our future; we must manage it wisely and use it carefully.
About the UN Environment Programme
The UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. The programme provides leadership and fosters partnership in environmental stewardship by inspiring, informing and empowering countries and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
