General and economic values of sand dunes

Values applicable to all states which are not affected by the extent of sand dune mobility:

• As a water resource - sand dunes can be a major source of drinking water, as in the Netherlands. [Water abstraction can cause changes in the nature of the dune and its vegetation as the water levels drop and infiltrated water introduces nitrogen to the system];
• Coastal defence - a reservoir of sand which may become available during storms as the sand in the dune is eroded and deposited on the beach to help replenish and improve the resistance to wave attack;
• Landscape - large dune systems can contribute significantly to the landscape in low-lying coastal areas, especially around estuaries;
• Providing pipeline landfall sites - the close proximity to the sea, ease of digging and relative remoteness makes them ideal for burying pipes. Restoration is usually relatively easy;
• Military training - large remote open areas are often required for military training. This can have both positive and negative impacts;
• Research and teaching - other more benign values attach, for example, through their use as an educational or research resource (for studying all aspects of succession and geomorphology);
• A source of sand for building or other uses such as improving peaty soils (calcareous sand). [This is often associated with sand depletion, increased erosion and lowering of nature conservation and coastal defence values.]