Best Practices
Reed Trial
Part of:
Lauwersmeer area
Lauwersmeer area
The Lauwersmeer used to be an estuary with an open connection to the Waddensea. In response to the large floods in Zeeland in 1953, it was decided to build a dyke around the estuary to protect the area against floods.
The sea eventually became a lake, and the name changed to Lauwersmeer. Due to the closure, the banks of the lake are slowly filling up. Trees and plants displace the reed that naturally grows here, and with it its unique flora and fauna. By raising the water level of the Lauwersmeer (temporarily) by half a metre, this process is countered, creating more space for the reed. We call it the Reed Trial.
Lauwersmeer area
Water always played a key role in the Lauwersmeer area. It shaped and formed the entire landscape. In the past, the (then called) Lauwerszee was connected to the Wadden Sea, threatening the area with regular floodings. Historical settlements were built on artificial wierden to keep inhabitants safe from floodings.
Entire villages developed a culture and identity around water. The rich sea clay produced one of the most fertile farmland in the world. Nowadays, as climate is rapidly changing, water is again determinative in the future of the area. Sea level rise is a real threat, leading to flood risk and salinization. Moreover, climate change has a severe impact on biodiversity. Thanks to numerous innovations we aim to keep the water at bay, increase flora and fauna and discover new ways of saline farming. Thus water is again embraced as identity of the Lauwersmeer region.
Entire villages developed a culture and identity around water. The rich sea clay produced one of the most fertile farmland in the world. Nowadays, as climate is rapidly changing, water is again determinative in the future of the area. Sea level rise is a real threat, leading to flood risk and salinization. Moreover, climate change has a severe impact on biodiversity. Thanks to numerous innovations we aim to keep the water at bay, increase flora and fauna and discover new ways of saline farming. Thus water is again embraced as identity of the Lauwersmeer region.
Best practices in
Lauwersmeer area
Lauwersmeer area
The village of Zoutkamp was once located by the sea and a lively fishing port in its time. Due to the damming of the Lauwerszee, the connection with the sea disappeared.
The former municipality De Marne is located next to the Lauwersmeer and the Waddensea. Over years a fertile layer of clay was deposited throughout the area and forms the basis for successful agriculture today. This intense agriculture led to, among other things, a decline in soil quality and a decrease in biodiversity.
The Lauwersmeer used to be an estuary with an open connection to the Waddensea. In response to the large floods in Zeeland in 1953, it was decided to build a dyke around the estuary to protect the area against floods.
Climate change also affects agriculture. Dry summers, submerged fields after heavy rainfalls and upcoming salinization all have disastrous effects on food production.
The Dutch have bad memories when it comes to floods. In the future we want to prevent them at all costs. That’s why the High Water Protection Program was started, a national program in which 1300 kilometres of dykes are reinforced.
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