Wieringerhoek Study: resilient ecosystem between the IJsselmeer and Wadden Sea

Before the Afsluitdijk was built, the area between the freshwater IJsselmeer and the saltwater Wadden Sea was an open delta.  The Wieringerhoek project aims to reinforce the delta character by creating natural transitions from wet to dry and from salt to fresh.

The Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management commissioned Witteveen+Bos and Wing to explore and develop alternatives that will help create an adaptive ecosystem and provide a future perspective for the economy, recreation and freshwater extraction.

Launched in 2019, the project must result in a preferred alternative, i.e. a resilient ecosystem, which will help maintain the various societal functions of the IJsselmeer area and the Wadden Sea.

The IJselmeer and the Wadden Sea are important to many parties. A plan supported by the region is vitally important.  In a series of design studios, we worked with various area parties to sketch and elaborate ideas as well as identify conflicting interests.

The result is a set of four alternatives, which are being assessed for their suitability and side effects. This will then contribute to the development of a preferred alternative which will be delivered at the beginning of 2021.

A team of ecologists, hydraulic engineers and landscape architects are leading this planning process. Following in the footsteps of the Marker Wadden, the aim is to achieve new, large-scale area and nature development.

The project commissioned by the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management is part of the Programmatic Approach to the Dutch main water system (PAGW). 

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