For many years the turbidity of the estuary and the related effects were a subject for research. The objective of the Program ED2050 is to improve the ecological situation of the Eems-Dollard estuary. We are aiming for a healthy estuary that meets the European objectives of the Water Framework Directive and Natura 2000.
Although the program focusses on ecological improvement, our ambitions go beyond that. The overarching goal is to balance ecology and economy which means create synergy with other issues like water safety, climate adaptation, regional economic development and quality of life.
ED2050 offers a structural approach. It links short-term concrete measures to the longer-term vision. To deal with the uncertainties in the long term, the programme has an adaptive character. It can be adjusted according to new knowledge, insights and changed circumstances.
For the first five years (2016-2021), the focus is on exploring the effectiveness and feasibility of measures that address the turbidity problem and improving habitats along the coastal area. This is done by conducting various innovative pilots and projects to improve the Eems-Dollard system. Yet, it is not clear whether the measures will also bring fundamental change to the system. That is why the research and monitoring agenda of ED2050 is an important pillar to provide more knowledge about the system, the effectiveness of measures and the measured improvement.