Construction of Lauwersmeerdijk tidal culvert marks start of unique nature projects

Attendees at the launch of the nature projects

Annette van Velde, councillor with special responsibilities atNoorderzijlvest Water Authority: “Work on the dyke reinforcement began in 2023. It’s wonderful that we can now also start implementing the nature projects! Together with government agencies, nature organizations, and the Ministry of Defense, we have dyke these nature projects to ensure a healthy Wadden Sea ecosystem and a strong dyke . In collaboration with the private sector, we are reinforcing the dyke significantly lower emissions and the smart (re)use of raw materials. In this way, we are building the most sustainable dyke the Netherlands together. I warmly invite everyone to come see this for themselves during Construction Day on Saturday, June 8.

Linda-Rose Santhagens, Director of Rijkswaterstaat Northern Netherlands: “This Lauwersmeerdijk-Vierhuizergat project shows that it can be done! A wonderful combination of dyke reinforcement with nature development in the Marnewaard and along the edges of the Wadden Sea. The 70-hectare intertidal area being created here is truly unique in its kind and scale. I am therefore proud that we have come this far, thanks in part to the dedication and conviction of all our partners!” 

Susan Top, Provincial Executive Member of Groningen: “In this special part of the Netherlands, the dike reinforcement—which is necessary for water safety—offers an opportunity to link nature projects to it. We have worked hard with all stakeholders to make this possible. In this way, we are taking steps together toward developing a coast that is future-proof and, moreover, yields unique nature.” 

What are the nature projects? 

Over the next three years, dike workers will also be working to make the transition between land, mudflats, and water more natural by constructing: 

• Marnewaard tidal area: we are constructing a dyke passage tidal area in the Marnewaard.
• Artificial reefs and tidal pools: we are constructing an artificial reef along the dyke dyke tidal pools at the foot of the dyke . This will make the transition between the mudflats and the dyke . 
• Natural salt marsh development: we are creating a natural salt marsh along the dyke the Westpolder. 

The implementation of the nature projects will take around three years and will be completed at the same time as the dike reinforcement. 

Dike reinforcement 

Reinforcement of the dyke necessary because it no longer meets water safety standards. Once the work is completed, the dyke will once again provide protection against rising sea levels and extreme weather caused by climate change dyke next 50 years. The dyke reinforcement is part of the national Flood Protection Programme HWBP) and thus the national Delta Programme. More information : Lauwersmeerdijk-Vierhuizergat Dyke Reinforcement (noorderzijlvest.nl)

Open house Saturday, June 8 

Saturday, June 8, is Construction Day, when visitors can visit the dyke passage construction site. There will also be all kinds of activities in the harbor and at the dyke information center, offering a glimpse into the construction of our dyke of tomorrow. The open house is from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Dyke Information Center, harbor 46C Lauwersoog. More information Come to Construction Day on June 8! | Dyke reinforcement Lauwersmeerdijk-Vierhuizergat (noorderzijlvest.nl)