Hedwige-Prosper polder (Netherlands-Belgium)
The Hedwige and Prosper polders are strategically located just before the Scheldt reaches Antwerp, where storm surges pose a particular threat due to the narrowing of the estuary, which increases water levels. In this area, land reclamation for agriculture and industry, along with the deepening of the channel, have put severe pressure on the tidal nature of the Western Scheldt, leading to a sharp decline in the areas of submerged mudflats suitable for foraging birds and fish.
The outer defences of the Hertogin-Hedwige and the Prosper polders – low lying areas of reclaimed land – have been removed, reopening the area to tidal influence. This process involved moving dike protection inland to provide room for water during tidal surges, thereby reducing the risk of floods, and re-establishing an estuarine natural area.
– The main objective of the Hedwige-Prosper polders project is to improve flood protection as part of the overall Sigma Plan, providing the Scheldt River with extra space for flooding. New estuarine intertidal areas are also created, providing space for tidal nature.
– In the coming years, most of the area is expected to consist of mudflats, unvegetated soft mud full of bottom-dwelling animals. Gradually, the mudflats will overgrow over the coming decades.
– The creation of new estuarine nature areas is part of the Scheldt Agreements between the Netherlands and Flanders: the work at Hedwige polder is contributing to fulfilling the Dutch commitment to create 600 hectares of such areas. The resulting intertidal nature areas will be part of the work that the Netherlands and Belgium will undertake to meet obligations under the EU Habitats Directive. It is a compensation for natural areas taken over the Port of Antwerp as well as dredging of the Scheldt.
– The alignment of priorities between two different countries was key in finding a solution that contributes to restore nature and protect human livelihoods
– Compensation measures can provide impetus for ambitious restoration measures
☑ Local knowledge of ES
☑ Importance of resource for community
☑ System productivity
☑ Successful pilot testing
☑ Development of governance structures
☑ Favourable policy context
☑ Support of local authorities
☑ Leadership/ entrepreneurship
☑ hydrological restoration
☑ morphological restoration
☑ hydro-morphological restoration
☑ vegetation restoration
☑ passive restoration