After intensive preparation with all involved parties, the project to construct an innovative water infiltration system in the Blauwe, Vliet, and Waterloospolder officially starts. The project application, submitted in close collaboration between the Province of South Holland, the Rijnland Water Board, and the farmers in the area, has been approved by the Province of South Holland. This decision marks an important step towards sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient soils, one of the goals pursued by parties in the area under the South Holland Rural Area Program.
The project provides water infiltration for a total area of 180 hectares. This aims to slow soil subsidence in the area while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions from participating plots by 40 percent. These results directly contribute to achieving climate goals related to emission reduction. The construction of nature-friendly banks will positively influence water quality.
Besides ecological benefits, the system also offers economic security for participating farmers. By maintaining soil bearing capacity, they can optimally operate their businesses and make them future-proof.
This project exemplifies how cooperation between the province, water board, and agricultural entrepreneurs can lead to innovative solutions for major societal challenges. The advisory request is guided by advisory parties PPP Agro, APPM, and the province, with the Green Clover Projects Foundation acting as the coordinating party in implementation. In this collaboration, all involved can optimally work together to realize the shared ambition: a resilient and sustainable South Holland.
During the participant meeting, chairman John van der Salm of the Green Clover Projects Foundation emphasized: “The Green Clover wants to ensure that agricultural businesses can contribute economically responsibly to the climate goals set in the Netherlands.”
Henk Hazenoot of the Rijnland Water Board added: “This is a great example of good cooperation between farmers and governments. Together we work towards a climate-resilient future by combating soil subsidence and improving water quality.”
Aad Straathof praised on behalf of the Province of South Holland the commitment of farmers, water board, and province, laying a solid foundation for a future-proof landscape and sustainable agriculture.