This report deals with the possibilities for touristic and recreational development on the Wadden Sea coast of the Dutch province of Friesland. The topic is approached against the background of possible dyke reinforcements which might become necessary in future years. The data on this topic were collected by conducting three interviews with stakeholders responsible for or influenced by these changes. In addition 70 questionnaires were handed out to respondents who are using the dykes for touristic or recreational purposes. Results of the research show that a complete reinforcement is not planned so far. Still, the people using the dykes have a certain demand for new developments in this field and are not completely satisfied with the current state. It also becomes clear that the possibilities for touristic improvements in the dyke area are limited in many ways. The protection is the main purpose of the dykes and interventions risking the safety are stopped by existing laws. Concluding it can be said that there is a potential for further touristic and recreational improvements in this area. Stakeholders and people using the dykes, all have a certain interest in new developments. Nevertheless, these changes can only be limited to small developments, building up on already existing tourist activities. Furthermore, stakeholders have to improve their cooperation in order to work towards a common goal.
DOCUMENT
This research addresses the question on how Delfzijl can take advantage of the dykes referred to recreational activities within the next five years. In order to investigate this problem statement, the elaboration was started with the definition of research questions and secondary research. Here, brochures, websites, books and other researches were used to gather significant information about Delfzijl. Next, quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in order to collect data and information about the different stakeholders, the current situation of the municipality and the expectations of the people concerning the future. Thus, a fieldtrip was done to interview stakeholders and to distribute questionnaires to the sample. Additionally, a benchmarking was done with the German city `Nessmersiel` in order to compare and discover development possibilities. The research outcome is that Delfzijl suffers from a decreasing population number, a low level of recreational attractiveness and lack of money. Many people claim that the dyke is a significant resource that should be used for recreational developments. Hereby, developments can be done on a small budget.
DOCUMENT
De Noordwaard is a recently established highwater flow area located near the Brabantse Biesbosch. In this area, dykes have been adapted and creeks have been dug, some of which are connected to the Hollands Diep and are subject to tidal influence. A large part of theagricultural land has been transformed into a flow area with nature as a secondary function and is partly grazed by water buffaloes, koniks, Scottish highlanders and sheep. In order to guarantee the flow of the area at high water on the Merwede, additional mowing managementis carried out in addition to grazing in autumn. To this end, all vegetation is reset to the maximum height that has been set as astandard for safety reasons. This mowing is expensive and sometimes contrary to the nature objective in the area, where a great diversity in structures is sought.
MULTIFILE
