Where are the several coastal nature reserves contain sand dunes and why they were set up?

Coastal nature reserves containing sand dunes can be found in many countries around the world, including:

- Australia:

- Cooloola National Park (Queensland)

- Myall Lakes National Park (New South Wales)

- Ninety Mile Beach Marine Park (Victoria)

- Canada:

- Prince Edward Island National Park

- Sandbanks Provincial Park (Ontario)

- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (British Columbia)

- Denmark:

- Råbjerg Mile (North Jutland)

- Skagen Odde Nature Area (North Jutland)

- Grenen Nature Area (North Jutland)

- France:

- Dune du Pilat (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

- Baie de Somme (Hauts-de-France)

- Parc naturel régional des Landes de Gascogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

- Ireland:

- Inch Strand (County Kerry)

- Rossnowlagh Beach (County Donegal)

- Curracloe Beach (County Wexford)

- Mexico:

- Vizcaino Desert Biosphere Reserve (Baja California Sur)

- San Pedro Mártir National Park (Baja California)

- Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (Baja California Sur)

- Netherlands:

- Schoorlse Duinen National Park

- Texel National Park

- Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

- New Zealand:

- Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)

- Aupouri Forest (Northland)

- Farewell Spit (South Island)

- Spain:

- Doñana National Park (Andalusia)

- Albufera de Mallorca National Park (Balearic Islands)

- Las Dunas de Maspalomas (Canary Islands)

- United Kingdom:

- The Wash (Lincolnshire and Norfolk)

- Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

- Newborough Warren (Anglesey, Wales)

Reasons why coastal nature reserves with sand dunes are set up:

Coastal nature reserves with sand dunes are set up to protect and conserve these unique and fragile habitats. Sand dunes are important for several reasons:

1. Ecosystem Biodiversity: Sand dunes are home to various wildlife, including rare and threatened species. Some examples of animals found in coastal dune ecosystems include the snowy plover, least tern, piping plover, and various reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

2. Natural Protection: Sand dunes serve as natural barriers that help protect inland areas from erosion caused by waves and storms. They help buffer the impact of wave energy and prevent the loss of valuable land.

3. Water Filtration: Sand dunes act as natural water filters that help improve water quality. The sand helps to filter out pollutants and sediments from the water before it reaches the ocean, contributing to cleaner and healthier marine environments.

4. Groundwater Recharge: Sand dunes can also contribute to groundwater recharge by allowing rainwater to infiltrate the ground instead of running off into the ocean. This helps to replenish underground water supplies and maintain the balance of freshwater in coastal ecosystems.

5. Tourism and Recreation: Many coastal nature reserves with sand dunes are popular destinations for tourism and recreation. Visitors enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, sandboarding, and simply exploring these beautiful landscapes.

By setting up coastal nature reserves, we can help to protect these valuable ecosystems, preserve their biodiversity, and ensure that they can continue to provide important ecological and aesthetic benefits for future generations.