Summaries Ecology and Environmental Planning Since 1971 a division for Ecology and Environmental Planning has been included in the Delta Service of Rijkswaterstaat; just in time to become actively involved in the decision-making regarding the storm surge barrier in the Oosterschelde. The principle of this division is, that the recommendations regarding the planning of the environment must be based on integrated ecological research. Research and consultation have been separated organisationally to facilitate collaboration with other sections and departments. This introductory article provides further insight into the contents of this issue, which covers the theme: 'Ecology and Environmental Planning'. Ecological concern within the Delta Plan In order to carefully support the Delta Service with ecological problems, the work of the environmental section is divided into four distinct phases, i.e. the preparation, the design, the execution and the post-care. During all four phases, running parallel with the progress of the civil engineering works, advice and support are to be given by experts in the ecological field. To obtain adequate ecological recommendations, which will be incorporated in the decision-making, research into the eco-system by ecologists during all stages will be indispensable. The plans indicating how to control the area after the Delta works are completed are of vital importance: only then will it be known what developments can evolve from this newly created situation. Ecological assistance during the progress of tf i works The ecologists will bear equal responsibility fo careful implementation of the Delta Plan. Various examples can be cited which clearly show that to-day's ecological motives have influenced the manner of executing the civil engineering works. This has become especially apparent in the lay-out and harmonious blending into the scenery of dams and other civil engineering structures and the landscaping around the site where spoil is dumped or sand reclaimed, activities inevitably related to large hydraulic engineering works. Planning and managing the Oosterschelde are When the dams and barrier are completed, the surface area of the Oosterschelde will be decreased by 25 per cent, the intertidal area by 45 per cent and the mud-flat area will even be 0 per cent smaller than at present. An integral management policy forthe area has been set up to ensure that the Oosterschelde will function as an entity. This policy will be implemented in three stages: the first one fror 1980-1985, thus until the barrier is completed the second one from 1985-1990, the stabilizin period and the third one after 1990, the period forfurtherdevelopments. The integral policy consists e.g. of a plan for environmental planningandaplanfor research and possible corrective measures. Annually, evaluations wi I be made regarding the progress of the developments in the area. These will indicate in particularthe effect of human intervention in the eco-system. 294

Tijdschriftenbank Zeeland

Driemaandelijks bericht Deltawerken | 1981 | | pagina 68