Oosterschelde

Nature was taken into account during the construction of the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier. The estuary was not permanently closed off allowing the influence of ebb and flood to continue. The many birds, seals and other animals therefore retained their foraging areas. However, an unforeseen consequence was that the equilibrium between the washing away and the deposition of sand became seriously disrupted. The channels retain all the sand swept into them; they have what is known as ‘sand hunger’. This means the Oosterschelde’s mudflats, sand flats and salt marshes threaten to disappear after all.

The parties cooperating in Nationaal Park Oosterschelde drew up an important declaration in 2008. The 'Yrseke Treaty' draws attention to the detrimental effect ‘sand hunger’ is having on nature in the area. The declaration urges administrators and decision makers to take measures which will allow this tidal nature to survive in the long term. The Yrseke Treaty plays an important role in decision making on the Oosterschelde.

De Groote Peel

Alongside the advantages it provides for nature, the national parks system also provides benefits in the fields of lobbying, consultation and cooperation. For example, Nationaal Park Groote Peel and the other national parks in the provinces of Limburg and Noord-Brabant have found a sympathetic ear in provincial politics. Far-reaching agreements have been made with administrators concerning investments in nature quality at the national parks. The partners at the national parks are also extensively involved in the planning and implementation of these investments.