Even in nature reserves and under the European Habitat Directive protected dunes of the Flemish coast, species and habitats of the open dune landscape (especially Habitat-types 2130, 2170 and 2190) have become seriously endangered. On the other hand, natural dune scrub and pioneer woodland (Habitat-types 2160 and 2180), together with alien species and manmade habitats (plantations,…), strongly increased. Since the Nature Division became responsible for nature management in Flanders (1995) and with the aid of European funding (Life-projects ICCI and FEYDRA), action was undertaken to stop and reverse this trend. The management dilemma (species rich open dune vs. natural scrub and woodland) is tackled on the basis of an Ecosystem Perspective for the Flemish Coast and by drawing up scientifically based management plans. This paper gives, from a nature managers point of view, an overview of the history and nature of these changes, the problems and dilemmas for nature conservationists, the extent and management techniques of scrub and alien tree removal and of open dune restoration, and a first evaluation of results.