In the catchment of the Drentsche Aa (in the province of Drenthe, NL) nature and agriculture are restricted in the use of groundwater - and it is predicted that climate change will increase the problem. Moreover, heavy rainfall during the summer months could increase runoff from agricultural land, causing high levels of pesticides and nutrients in the water.
Collaborative approach
In Blue Transition, the Waterboard Hunze en Aa’s coordinates the NL 1 pilot which aims to develop a climate resilient water system in this catchment area, leading to the optimalisation of the stream valley lay out and its protected and agricultural areas. It includes the development of a short- and long-term strategy for drought resistance in combination with a minimized leaching of nutrients and pesticides.
Close collaboration with local stakeholders is absolutely essential. Together with farmers in the area, innovative adaptation measures will be tested and monitored for the effect on surface and ground water quality and quantity. Both farmers and land nature conservation organizations are working on climate change mitigation with a Farm-Soil-Water-Blueprint monitoring system (‘Bedrijfsbodemwaterplan’). Together with soil specialists, the planned works will be prioritized. Furthermore, NL1 will also use hydrological modelling - implementing new techniques - to establish disruptive layers and thus determine the best locations for water conservation to supply nature and agriculture developments.
Local kick-off
On 26th June 2023, the Waterboard Hunze en Aa’s held a kick-off meeting with farmers from the pilot area ‘Water in the topsoil’. Interest and attendance was high for this introduction to Blue Transition and the start of their participation in the project. Hunze en Aa’s presented the plans and objectives for NL1 , describing the development of living labs to test certain measures in the area.
During this interactive exchange, farmers co-designed a ‘wish list’ of potential trials, considering the most suitable measures for a variety of field conditions. These proposals are currently being elaborated and worked out further so that measures can actually be implemented in 2024 and 2025. Local farmers (and potential trial participants) engaged in animated discussions with advisors from the waterboard and agricultural sector, both inspiring and challenging each other in search of prospective sustainable solutions.
Transnational connection
On 22nd September, during a strategy workshop session at the second transnational partner meeting in Horsens, it was also inspiring for the NL1 pilot partners to discover similar challenges and a shared approach – particularly with the French partners from the Lorient Community of Municipalities (Lorient Agglomération). These partners are looking forward to a follow-up exchange online to learn more from each other’s experiences.
It’s safe to say that the NL1 pilot is up and running - locally, regionally and transnationally.
Follow this website for more progress updates.