PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The salt marshes of the Eastern Scheldt are seriously endangered following the introduction of the Delta Project to safeguard the south-western part of the Netherlands against flooding. This has resulted in the loss of salt marsh area (from 1 500 hectares before 1970, to approximately 500 ha today), posing a serious threat to the site’s European importance for birds and habitat species. The present rate of decline is 3-4 ha/ salt marsh/yr. This decline is attributed to two main causes: the compartmentalisation works, which reduced the overall size of the salt marsh area; and the Eastern Scheldt Barrier, (which resulted in a 30% tidal range decrease). As a result of the latter, natural processes such as sedimentation and erosion have turned predominantly into erosion. The area has been designated as a Special Protection Area, and has been proposed as a Site of Community Interest.
OBJECTIVES
The project would target two of the salt marsh areas, Rammegors and Schelphoek, which have been identified as suitable for habitat restoration. In these areas a number of (Annex I) natural habitat types of Community interest were targeted by the project. Both areas are sheltered from erosion and, hence, are durable. In Rammegors, the project aimed to restore tidal movement so as to bring about the restoration of the estuarine habitat. The project actions would immediately generate some 20 ha of salt marsh. After completion, additional salt marsh area would be formed by siltation of low-lying areas. In Schelphoek, (c. 210 ha), a former working harbour for the Eastern Scheldt Barrier and now a nature reserve, the ongoing sedimentation would be promoted by the nourishment of soil in the western part of the area. A new salt marsh area of some 30 ha, on top of the existing mud flats, was anticipated. The restoration actions for both the project sub-areas would help to significantly reduce the loss of salt marsh area of the Eastern Scheldt, and add at least 10% of salt marsh to the approximate total area of 500 ha.
RESULTS
The project did not achieve its objectives. Capacity problems led to serious delays. More important, studies indicated that the proposed field measures at Schelphoek would not lead to the achievement of the project objectives and that the field measures at Rammegoers would be much more costly than foreseen in the revised application. The Commission therefore decided to launch the CP article 14.1 procedure of early termination of the project. The beneficiary and partners have however announced the implementation of a modified version of the project, outside of LIFE, with their own funds and funds from the Water Framework Directive. The project did not achieve its objectives. Capacity problems led to serious delays. More important, studies indicated that the proposed field measures at Schelphoek would not lead to the achievement of the project objectives and that the field measures at Rammegoers would be much more costly than foreseen in the revised application. The Commission therefore decided to launch the CP article 14.1 procedure of early termination of the project. The beneficiary and partners have however announced the implementation of a modified version of the project, outside of LIFE, with their own funds and funds from the Water Framework Directive.
