Marker Wadden
In an effort to improve water quality and create a new habitat for wildlife, a unique hydraulic engineering project unfolded in the Markermeer: Marker Wadden. A group of islands, sculpted from sand, clay and silt from the Markermeer.
In addition to improving water quality, Marker Wadden serves as a sanctuary for birds, fish, plants and shellfish. The first and largest island is open to nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Creating natural habitats
The lake’s story is complex. The Afsluitdijk and Houtribdijk caused an ecological shift by separating it from the sea and rivers. This led to the lake’s bed being smothered in silt, disrupting the natural habitat for plants and animals, such as banks, tidal mudflats, marshes and shallow zones.
This ecological challenge is not only affecting the Netherlands but resonates globally.
The Marker Wadden project addressed this challenge by removing and harnessing the silt so it can benefit people, nature and the economy. The knowledge gained by building with sand, clay and silt during this project can be used for other purposes. For example, it can be used to reinforce dykes, manage erosion and create islands suitable for housing.
In the Marker Wadden Knowledge and Innovation Programme (KIMA), Rijkswaterstaat, Deltares, EcoShape and Natuurmomumenten examined how the ecosystem of the Marker Wadden is evolving.
The final results of the programme were published in 2022.
For more information, see Knowledge and Innovation Programme Marker Wadden and Natuurmonumenten Marker Wadden.