Area approach
In the lake Lauwersmeer area, we are working with government agencies, nature organisations, and farmers to address the challenges facing nature, water, and climate.
Improving nature and water quality
Lake 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. The national PAGW (Programmatic Approach to Large Water Bodies) (Dutch only) programme presents an important challenge for our water authority, together with regional partners such as Staatsbosbeheer (Dutch Forestry Commission), the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, and Rijkswaterstaat Noord-Nederland.
Advice from the surrounding area
In addition to the importance of good ecological water quality, other interests also play a role in the lake Lauwersmeer area. For example, we want people to be able to live, work, and recreate there. That is why various authorities are working 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 organisations, farmers, site managers, entrepreneurs, and residents. Together, we work on plans for the future of the Lauwersmeer area.
Video - From Concerns to Certainty About Fresh and Saltwater
In this video, the parties involved explain how they worked together to develop a vision for the future of the Lauwersmeer region. Their shared vision demonstrates how nature restoration, fish migration, water safety, and a sustainable freshwater supply for agriculture can go hand in hand in a region facing major challenges.
From Concerns to Certainty Regarding Fresh and Salt Water:
Tasks lake Lauwersmeer area
The most important tasks have been determined jointly in the Future Agenda for the lake Lauwersmeer area (Dutch only).pdf. In short, these are:
- Water challenges: ensuring a robust natural environment with freshwater-saltwater transition, freshwater availability, good water drainage, and water safety
- Develop recreation and tourism without overburdening nature
- Sustainable port development at Lauwersoog and future-proof fishing.
Responsibility of the water authority
The Noorderzijlvest and Wetterskip Fryslân Water Authorities are responsible for water management. Water connects all the functions in the lake Lauwersmeer area: safe living and working, nature, recreation, and agriculture.
Lauwersmeer Steering Group
The lake Lauwersmeer Area Steering Group consists of the provincial executives of Groningen and Fryslân, the local councils of Het Hogeland and Noardeast-Fryslân, Staatsbosbeheer (Dutch Forestry Commission), Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, Wetterskip Fryslân, and Rijkswaterstaat Noord-Nederland. The steering group works together on the implementation of the future agenda.
Lauwersmeer Initiative Group
The steering group receives advice from the initiative group, which consists of site managers, nature organisations, farmers, and other stakeholders. This allows us weigh up the interests of nature, water quality, water safety, and agriculture with care.