€30 million for Lauwersmeer dyke ecology and priorities for water heritage

Environmental benefits of dike reinforcement

Work on the Lauwersmeerdijk dike reinforcement project began last year. Funding had already been approved at that time for two of the five potential linkage projects: the realisation the^second access road to the harbour Lauwersoog and major maintenance on the western harbor breakwater. Now, the water authority the client, has granted a loan of over €30 million for three ecological projects along the route of the dike reinforcement. These three projects aim to enhance the ecological values along this section of the Wadden Sea coast and the hinterland and to soften the abrupt transition between fresh and saltwater.
This amount is fully funded by key partners such as the Wadden Fund (over €13 million), the programme Major Waterways” programme of the Ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W) and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) (€16 million), the Province of Groningen (over €3 million), and the Tennet Compensation Fund (€500,000). The projects in question are as follows:

Natural transition between the mudflats and dyke

At the tip of the rural section of the Lauwersmeer dike, artificial reefs and tidal pools are being used realised a natural and gradual transition realised the mudflats and the dyke. This creates more suitable habitats for shellfish and mollusks. Fish and birds will gain access to a more nutrient-rich area. 

Expansion of the salt marsh at Westpolder

To the east of the Lauwersmeer dike near the Westpolder, brushwood dams are being constructed. Over time, this will create a diverse area with varying elevations due to sedimentation and erosion. The new salt marsh created in this way will also provide a gentler transition from the Wadden Sea to the dyke. This will give fish—along with the natural transition and the Marnewaard tidal area—a larger area in which to shelter and grow.
In the long term, this zone contributes to safety during high water: the new salt marsh area acts as a buffer before high water sea dyke the sea dyke .

Marnewaard Tidal Flat

A brackish water environment is realised the Lauwersmeer dike. This will increase biodiversity and improve water quality. A tidal culvert is being dyke tidal culvert the dyke . Through this culvert, seawater can flow in and out of the brackish water area in a controlled manner and within specified water level limits. 

Planning and Initial Steps

Work will begin with the construction of the tidal culvert the tidal zone. The salt marsh restoration will follow later this year. The natural transition will take place in 2025. 
The groundbreaking ceremony for these linked projects will take place on June 3. An open house for the public will follow on June 8, during which visitors can take a tour of the dike reinforcement. The tour will also include visits to the locations where these ecological benefits will be realized.

Priorities in the approach to water heritage

The Board of Directors approved the programme . It outlines the cultural-historical sites in which investments will be made in the coming years. The water authority is doing this water authority water management has played a significant role in the history and development of the landscape. This heritage contributes to the water authority narrative. That is why the water authority is water authority to ensuring that cultural-historical sites remain accessible.
The priorities for the coming years focus primarily on monuments that still serve a function, mostly national monuments: the maintenance of the roof of pumping station Waterwolf pumping station (already decided separately last year), the roof of the Schaphalsterzijl warehouse, and sanitary facilities in the Schouwerzijl warehouse and a number of old locks near Veenhuizen. In 2026 and 2027, the remaining work on the Schaphalsterzijl and Aduarderzijl pumping stations will follow. Then it will be the turn of the lock at Noordpolderzijl. The Board of Directors has set aside Board of Directors . Board of Directors million for this work through 2030.