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Lessons from the Marker Wadden project
Marker Wadden is not only a unique project in terms of nature development, water management and hydraulic engineering. It is also a story of a unique feat of human willpower, a good sense of timing and a significant financial impulse. Wageningen Environmental Research, Deltares and Erasmus University Rotterdam conducted research into the governance of Marker Wadden.
Jeroen Veraart is one of the authors of the report entitled 'A unique project, a unique collaboration. The governance of Marker Wadden dissected'. Veraart: "Our analysis shows that the way in which the Marker Wadden project was organised and collaborated had both success factors and learning points. It is important that this knowledge is also used in new development projects."
What can initiators of new projects learn from adaptive governance? Three striking conclusions can be drawn from the 22 interviews conducted.
1. Organise knowledge development immediately
It was decided from the start that lessons should be learned from this project. On a parallel track, Top Sector Water, Rijkswaterstaat, EcoShape and Natuurmonumenten agreed that a knowledge programme would be launched. This knowledge programme (KIMA) came into effect in 2018. However, the construction of Marker Wadden was already in full swing at the time, which meant that no tangible knowledge had been recorded during the first phase. As far as the researchers are concerned, this should have been agreed earlier in the process.
2. Sufficiently early attention to differences in organisations
In the Marker Wadden project, the government and Natuurmonumenten have found a good way to join forces. For example, they worked in a small team during the project so that decisions could be taken quickly. The tasks were also divided in such a way that they fitted in with the expertise of Rijkswaterstaat (e.g. contract management) or Natuurmonumenten (such as communication strategy) respectively.
3. Who is responsible for nature development and improvement of water quality
Important reasons for the realisation were the development of nature and an improved ecological water quality of the Markermeer. The granting of the status of National Park (Nieuwland) is a good step towards Marker's nature ambitions. As for the improvement of the ecological water quality, there is no definite answer at present. It takes more time to determine what the effects of Marker Wadden are, and is being investigated in the monitoring programme. The result is important for the decision on the construction of more islands.
Financing
Natuurmonumenten took the initiative for the realisation of Marker Wadden. In 2012, they were able to have their idea developed at the legal and policy level thanks to a contribution of 15 million euros from the Dutch Postcode Lottery. Administrative support from the central government, RWS and the Province of Flevoland followed in 2014. This was accompanied by financial support, as the project's objectives fitted in well with the national government's task of improving the water quality and nature value of the Markermeer.
The result is worth it
Veraart: "The recommendations in the report can be included in other large programmes, such as the Programmatic Approach to Large Waters or new Building with Nature projects. There are many advantages to having the government, the business community, civil society organisations and knowledge institutes working together on the starting line. The realisation of such a large spatial project benefits from good cooperation, to which this study contributes."