Involve landscape, nature and recreational organisations in the decision making process for wind energy. Three Dutch organisations made this appeal to Dutch Minister Verhagen of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation and Minister Schultz of Infrastructure and the Environment.
The appeal follows a symposium held by the three organisations Stichting Waterrecreatie IJsselmeer & Randmeren, ANWB and Stichting VBIJ on 5 July in Lelystad, the Netherlands. Now that there are plans for the IJsselmeer area to house nearly a third of the nation’s planned wind turbines, there is concern this may corrode this unique recreational and natural reserve.
Obscurity Surrounding Windfarms
The symposium was held due to the obscurity surrounding large windfarms. The cooperation between national and local Government can be much improved, according to the 150 entrepreneurs, citizens and social organisations’ representatives present. There is a lot of exasperation about procedures that no longer apply. Furthermore, Government has to take charge in providing information. The fact that neither national Government nor the province Flevoland were willing to clarify their policy, strengthens the feeling of a lack of communication concerning this sensitive topic.
Wind Turbines in Suitable Locations
The organisations call for stronger management and an open process, where generating energy on a large scale is seen as industrial activity. First, wind turbines should be placed in suitable locations, such as seaports and logistic and business parks. In this way, the IJsselmeer can be spared. Nearly a quarter of the Dutch water sports industry is located in and around the IJsselmeer. The sector has a revenue of 730 mln euros per year and offers over 7000 jobs. The three organisations fear wind farms may damage this industry.
Economical Damage
Geert Dijks, head branch interests at Hiswa Vereniging, expects damage for water sports entrepreneurs if wind farms appear near the Afsluitdijk, the IJsselmeerdijk, the Houtribdijk and in the middle of the Markermeer. These farms will influence the core values of the area as well as the recreational water users’ experience. The approximately 400 turbines are up to 198 m tall, making them higher than the Euromast in Rotterdam. This will change the décor of the area and cause permanent economical damage.
All parties acknowledge the international importance of the area as a basis for well-being and recreation and ask for more attention for the impact on the landscape in decision making.
