There is no direct link between the water systems in the northwest
of Germany and the north-east of the Netherlands. Linkage of water
systems is important to give animals and plants the opportunity of
migration between these two countries, and thus keep the populations
healthy by maintaining the genetic variability. A connection would
especially beneficial to the otter (genus Lutra), a species that is
promoted in both countries and is depending on large spaces as its
habitat .
To realize this connection the province of Groningen wants to develop
the area between the future nature reserve Blauwe Stad (Blue City)
and the nature reserves near the river Eems in Germany in a more natural
way. Drawing up a plan and evaluating different possibilities is the
Groningen contribution to the TEN III project.
Together, the project of Groningen and the project carried out in
Niedersachsen (GER), at the Brualer Schloot (KLIKLINK), are contributing
a lot to the reestablishment of a connection between the two countries.
Integrated approach
Stakeholders from different fields are involved in the brainstorming
and decision making process to draw up a plan. The project group is
consisting of members of the waterboard Hunze and Aa's, the municipality
of Bellingwedde, the province of Groningen, Staatsbosbeheer, NLTO
and the Grontmij. By including all these stakeholders the plan developed
is thought to be sustainable and fulfilling different needs.
Planning
A plan of approach was established in June 2004. First a stock taking
took place. This identified a lot of ideas for the proposed route
of this ecozone. Important conditions are, that as many functions
as possible should be combined in the area. Keeping this in mind many
sectors will be able to profit from the development of the area.
In the next step the collected information was split into the subjects
water, nature, recreation and agriculture. Each group of stakeholders
was working out ideas individually resulting in interesting plans,
for example creation of walking- and bicycle paths, agricultural improvement
and land compensation plans. The centre of attention remains on the
water and nature development.
It seems that the area along the old dike is suited best for further
development of the ecological corridor. The dike may be reconstructed
to its old height and land purchase is being considered.
Future activities:
All concepts and ideas will be discussed in a workshop and a draft
plan will be established. The different subjects will be integrated
which will result in a cohesive land balance.
Finally the definite report will be set up by august of 2005. It will
include the following points: boundaries, lay out, conservation and
maintenance plans, financing, tools, information and education.
Establishing this plan is the another step in the development of the ecological connection between Germany and the Netherlands. The implementation will take place under the governmental policy "Robust Ecozones" of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food of the Netherlands.
Click map to see the large version
