Pilot Project Eemsdelta, Driehoek Eemshaven, Delfzijl and Groningen
Various parties have joined forces in the Ems delta pilot project to develop ideas on climate-proofing, flood risk management, and the continued appeal of the Ems harbour-Delfzijl-Groningen triangle. The pilot project has involved both design studies and calculations pertaining to the economic feasibility of the measures. This essential step has yielded a great deal of new insights and mutual understanding. The results of the pilot project constitute a vital interim step in the decision-making process concerning the Ems delta.
Results
The preliminary sessions of the pilot project were focused on the two forms of coastal defence outlined in the Integrale Klimaatadaptatie Eemsdelta [Ems Delta Integrated Climate Adaptation, IKE] report. In addition, the following alternatives were explored:
- Construction of a foreshore;
- Construction of a secondary dyke in a wide zone along the coastal defence system (two different widths);
- Additional flood defence system outside the dykes;
- Protection of vital and vulnerable objects;
- Risk reduction by restructuring (e.g., near Delfzijl);
- Integration of a safer primary dyke in terms of scenery and functionality.
All of these options, except the last one, were discussed in the first session of the pilot project. The last option came up during the second session.
The main gain of this pilot project, as with most pilot projects, is that the various disciplines and stakeholders have entered into a dialogue and worked on solutions together. For example, representatives of the agriculture sector, that is reluctant to lose valuable agricultural grounds to Nature, entered into a discussion with nature managers who aim to boost the qualities of the Ems Estuary by giving Nature more room.
Contact person
Hiltrud Pötz
Atelier GROENBLAUW
+31(0)15-2138423
hiltrudpotz@ateliergroenblauw.nl