The low-lying coastal areas of the world consists of less than 15% of the Earth’s land surface, but provide homes and working places for about half of the world population. The Netherlands is a highly vulnerable coastal nation that is densely populated, highly industrialised and easily accessible with a high standard of living. About two-thirds of the country’s 15 million inhabitants live below the sea level, while being protected by dikes and dunes. The survival prospects of vulnerable coastal areas mostly depend on the degree of coherence that can be achieved between science, technology and politics. This paper, though not meant to be read as a self-contained scientific paper, is a coherent series illustrating the role that has played in the development of The Netherlands, particularly, its coast. The papers demonstrate that ‘conservation’ is not a static approach but an ongoing process designed to achieve the goal of sustainable development in low-lying coastal areas.