Area approach
In the Lauwersmeer area, we are working with government agencies, nature organizations, and farmers to address the challenges facing nature, water, and climate.
Improving nature and water quality
The Lauwersmeer and the Wadden Sea are Natura 2000 areas. We want to preserve the unique values of this environment and improve the fragile nature and water quality. Under the national PAGW (Programmatic Approach to Large Water Bodies)program , this presents an important challenge for our water authority, together with regional partners such as Staatsbosbeheer, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, and Rijkswaterstaat North Netherlands.
Advice from the environment
In addition to the importance of good ecological water quality, other interests also play a role in the Lauwersmeer area. For example, we want people to be able to live, work, and recreate there. That is why various authorities work together in the Lauwersmeer Steering Group. The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is also a member of this steering group, which discusses the various interests in the area. We receive advice from representatives of nature organizations, farmers, land managers, entrepreneurs, and residents. Together, we are working on plans for the future of the Lauwersmeer area.
Video Collaboration
Working together in the Lauwersmeer area means that we look at opportunities and prospects. Nature and agriculture have a common interest, and that is water. Watch the video below.
Assignments Lauwersmeer area
The most important tasks have been jointly determined in the Lauwersmeer Area Future Agenda.pdf. In short, these are:
- Water challenges: ensuring a robust natural environment with freshwater-saltwater transition, freshwater availability, good water drainage, and water safety
- Development of recreation and tourism within the carrying capacity of nature
- Sustainable port development at Lauwersoog and future-proof fishing.
Responsibility of the water board
The Noorderzijlvest and Wetterskip Fryslân water boards are responsible for water management. Water connects all functions in the Lauwersmeer area: safe living and working, nature, recreation, and agriculture.
Lauwersmeer Steering Group
The Lauwersmeer Area Steering Group consists of the provinces of Groningen and Fryslân, the municipalities of Het Hogeland and Noardeast-Fryslân, Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch Forestry Commission), Waterschap Noorderzijlvest (the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority), Wetterskip Fryslân (the Fryslân Water Authority), and Rijkswaterstaat Noord-Nederland (the North Netherlands Department of Waterways and Public Works). The steering group is working together to implement the future agenda.
Lauwersmeer Initiative Group
The steering committee receives advice from the initiative group, which consists of land managers, nature organizations, farmers, and other stakeholders. This allows us to carefully weigh the interests of nature, water quality, water safety, and agriculture.