Vision development on silting coast of South Holland islands launched

Research completed in 2022 shows that large-scale silting of the coast off the South Holland islands will continue into the future. The results of this study prompted ten collaborating parties to draw up a joint vision for the future of the area.

Silting up is taking place off the coast of Voorne, at the Kop van Goeree and in the channel to the Haringvliet. Already you can walk very far into the sea before you are waist-deep in water. The natural development of the coastal area has consequences for nature, the character of the beach area, recreational opportunities, economy, quality of life and water safety. In the latter aspect, rising sea levels also play a role.

Collaboration

The Municipality of Voorne aan Zee, Hollandse Delta Water Board, Province of South Holland, Natuurmonumenten, Municipality of Nissewaard, Rijkswaterstaat, Recreatieschap Voorne-Putten, Zuid-Hollands Landschap, Municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee and the Port of Rotterdam have joined forces.

Together, the parties want this to remain an attractive and livable area in which to live, work and recreate. Based on the research completed in 2022 and the vision to be drawn up, the parties want to make good choices for the future of the area. The vision looks ahead to 2060 and should provide insight into the actions needed to realize the vision.

Participation

The vision must be consistent with the interests of the various coalition parties and take into account the interests of social parties and relevant stakeholders. To this end, a social sounding board group will be established. They will be involved in all three phases of the process:

  • Exploration: Gathering information and ideas and desires from the coalition and community parties.
  • Design research: Investigation of various future perspectives and a proposal for the integral direction/course. Any specific choices are named.
  • Elaborate integral course: Including outline implementation program.

Vision development is expected to be completed in early 2024.