The Faunabescherming has withdrawn its objection to the construction permit for Maasvlakte 2 and the Port of Rotterdam Authority is to take a number of measures to benefit seabirds in the Voordelta area.
That is the main gist of an agreement signed by the two on 19 May. The objection by Faunabescherming to the construction of the new port area was the last remaining one to be dealt with. The Council of State was supposed to pass judgement on this case on 20 May. The Port Authority is content with the agreement reached because construction work for Maasvlakte 2 can now proceed without any danger of delay.
Management plans
The most important substantive point of agreement is that the Port Authority will draft management plans for nesting lesser black-backed gulls, common terns and Sandwich terns on Maasvlakte 2 and the existing Maasvlakte. These management plans will take effect from March 2010. The management plans are also a useful tool in the further development of Maasvlakte 2.
Nature compensation
Faunabescherming has not only withdrawn its objection to the construction permit, but also its objection to the Access Restriction Acts for the Voordelta area insofar as these relate to the nature compensation for Maasvlakte 2. The decision making regarding nature compensation for Maasvlakte 2 is now finalised.
