Maritime dykelands are important components of the region’s cultural and agricultural heritage. They have shaped the Maritimes landscape for over 380 years. Over the time, communities have taken advantage of the protection offered by the dykes to develop important infrastructure, such as roads, rail, and residential and commercial property.

Dykelands, and their associated dykes, provide a line of defense against sea-level rise and storm surge, but they are at significant risk to the impacts of climate change. An understanding of dykelands and dykes, and of the potential climate change impacts and adaptation options, will be critical for future planning and management of coastal areas in Nova Scotia.