The coastal strip between the Adriatic and the lagoon is defined by the littorals of Jesolo, Cavallino, Lido, Pellestrina, Sottomarina and Isola Verde and extends for about 60 km. The lagoon communicates with the sea through the three inlets of Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia.

The first bulwark of the lagoon and inhabited areas against the sea, over time the coastal strip has lost its defensive function. Wave motion and currents, together with a series of other factors, such as the general drop in land level, have progressively eroded the beaches, reducing their width or even eliminating them altogether. The built-up areas closest to the sea are ever more often at risk.
The jetties defining the lagoon inlets, built between the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries to allow access for modern shipping, have showed signs of settlement over the years.

These problems have been tackled through a complex programme of interventions including reinforcement of coastlines and restructuring of the jetties.

Reinforcement of the coastline and jetties is also part of the integrated system to protect Venice and its lagoon from flooding, with the mobile barriers at the heart. In the event of high water, temporary closure of the inlets with the mobile barriers forms part of a continuous front, the littoral, completely reinforced and defended.