The Province of Drenthe has submitted a formal objection against the draft approval decision by the Minister of Climate and Green Growth for the Eesveen gas extraction plan. This is one of the smaller gas fields in Southwest Drenthe that Vermilion intends to develop. In the ministers decision, the earlier provincial request to separately map the risks to the UNESCO World Heritage Colonies of Benevolence was not followed up.
Mining is a sensitive issue worldwide for UNESCO. The Eesveen gas field lies partly beneath and near Frederiksoord-Wilhelminaoord in the Colonies of Benevolence. By not addressing the request to map risks, the minister, according to the province, too easily overlooks the importance of the World Heritage. The province wishes to engage in discussions with the Minister of Climate and Green Growth about this decision and also wants to involve the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Cultural Heritage Agency, so these parties can discuss their concerns about gas extraction with her.
Why insight into risks is essential
Well before decisions are made, it must be clear whether gas extraction affects the quality and the exceptional and universal value of the World Heritage. To clarify this, there is an internationally recognized instrument: the Heritage Impact Assessment. This is also applied at the adjacent VDW gas field, where possible extraction is also under consideration. Such an independent study factually and according to international methods maps the potential effects on the World Heritage values. It forms a solid basis for a careful consideration. For the Province of Drenthe, it is paramount that the values of the World Heritage are not compromised.
World Heritage interests must be weighed in decision-making
The province is very cautious when it comes to gas extraction near World Heritage sites. Deputy Bart van Dekken: “In gas extraction, we find it important that the various interests are well balanced. We have been requesting protection of the interests of the World Heritage for some time regarding gas extraction in Southwest Drenthe. This is the first time in years that a new permit is issued for gas extraction in this area. Unfortunately, we observe that the minister does not acknowledge our specific concerns. She also does not comply with the legal obligations regarding decision-making for World Heritage. Additionally, she does not adhere to the treaty agreements that the national government has with UNESCO. Before issuing this permit, the minister must engage in discussions with the fellow ministries and the site holder of the Colonies of Benevolence in the Netherlands, the Province of Drenthe.”
International agreements require carefulness
The Colonies of Benevolence are UNESCO World Heritage because they are of great value to humanity and unique worldwide. For UNESCO, preserving the exceptional and universal value is central. Therefore, there are international agreements about careful handling of developments within and around World Heritage areas. The Netherlands has laid down these obligations in the Environmental Law. This means the national government must communicate clearly and transparently with UNESCO about developments that may pose risks to the World Heritage.
Additional concerns due to further extraction plans
Besides the Eesveen gas field, Vermilion also wants to develop the VDW gas fields under the municipalities of Westerveld and Weststellingwerf. These are adjacent, directly beneath the World Heritage, increasing the urgency of a thorough risk analysis.