RIWET First EEW meeting in Drenthe, The Netherlands

The Province of Drenthe, regional authority and Lead Partner of our Rivers and Wetlands conservation and restoration project, had developed a packed programme for this first Exchange of Experience Workshop (EEW1).   Joining stakeholders from the region, more than 40 participants from all partner regions  appreciated the examples presented and the widespread recognition of the importance of our joint efforts.

The stimulating programme, at various locations, offered:

• Project introductory sessions – incl. The Natural Countryside Programme
• A keynote speech on the European Peatland Initiative
• Field visits to peatland areas in Bargerveen and the Hunze Valley
• Discussions and exchange of Good Practices with stakeholders
• Shared experiences with Theory of Change

The Natural Countryside Programme

The Province of Drenthe wants to improve The Natural Countryside Programme (NCP), which has been running for a number of years,  in such a way that it is more in line with the introduction of the National Environment and Planning Act. The programme focuses on physical measures, creating a robust Nature Network Netherlands (NNN), Natura 2000 restoration measures, agricultural nature management and Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Important in the NCP’s approach is the inclusion of ,and  early collaboration with, farmers and other landowners/users as well as the local community in the design and realization of new nature reserves. In RIWET Drenthe will experiment and develop knowledge by carrying out projects in various areas around  the ‘Hunzedal' and 'Bargerveen'.

Intense weather, intense exchange

Not only the weather was  intensely warm but also the connections between the partners, as well as  the knowledge exchange. Following a series of presentations to familiarize the partners with the area and context of RIWET in Drenthe, Bargerveen was first on the list of site visits.

Bargerveen by bike

During a cycle safari through  the former peatland area, regional stakeholders  from the State Forestry Commission, farmer organization representatives and provincial policy advisors  explained the many cooperative projects that have taken place in the area and what future plans are in petto. Potentially these could include the development of paludiculture, connecting water buffer zones, or improving internal quays which contribute to further recovery and improved water level management.

Long-term vision & cooperation

Day 2 involved a bus tour through the Hunze river catchment area under the  expert guidance of experts from the Province. Following the river’s course from Zuidlaardermeer, along a protected drinkwater catchment area, the RIWET consortium visited a string of highlights that illustrated how the implementation of a  successful long-term vision for nature restoration has transformed the entire area. Not simply boosting biodiversity  but underlining the resilience of nature as we saw in the spontaneous re-introduction of orchids after these were thought to be extinct! Now, the aim is to further enhance local cooperation in order to create more high-quality nature together with nature trust organisations, waterboards and private landowners. The successful integral approach with all local stakeholders is particularly admirable here.

 

Some partner reactions

• It was interesting to hear how the Province of Drenthe, with some local partners, includes various stakeholders in the early stages of preparing and developing management measures.
• The scale of planned conservation activities at the Bargerveen Natura 2000 site is inspiring and  It is encouraging to see the support of local residents in implementing such projects.
• It was particularly intriguing to learn that the Netherlands purifies its water without using chloride or microfiltration, thanks to the wetlands. They have begun constructing numerous drinking water pumping stations in anticipation of worsening trends.
• LOFAR  is a great example of combining nature conservation with another activity that requires significant space, such as radio telescopes. Great to see wild meadow orchids and diverse bird fauna in a new nature area.

The RIWET partners will meet again in Latvia at the end of August to share more best practices.