How can we reduce the excess sediment (sludge) in the Eems-Dollard so that the ecology and climate resilience of the estuary improve? To answer this question, the Netherlands and Germany have been collaborating on sediment management since 2019. In the week of April 14, 2025, the enhanced ecological strategy for sediment management was signed.
The signing was done by: the Lower Saxony Minister for the Environment Christian Meyer, the Dutch Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature Jean Rummenie, the head of the Directorate-General for Waterways and Public Works Eric Oelmann, the Chief Engineer-Director (HID) of Rijkswaterstaat Joost de Ruig, and the Groningen Deputy Leo Wenneger representing the network Ecology and Economy in Balance in the Eemsdelta. This outlines the next steps for the future of this cross-border cooperation.
Secretary of State Jean Rummenie
‘I am pleased that we continue our good cooperation with our eastern neighbors in the Eems-Dollard area. Due to the large amount of sludge in the Eems-Dollard, the quality of nature in the estuary has deteriorated. By removing this sludge from the water and reusing it to strengthen the dikes and raise low-lying agricultural land, we create a win-win situation. We improve nature, support agriculture, and enhance our safety. All the more reason to continue our efforts together.’
Enhanced Strategy
The enhanced ecological strategy for sediment management includes an action plan for developing a common understanding of the ecosystem, implementing cross-border projects, jointly seeking ecologically optimal distribution locations for dredged sludge, and solutions for legal barriers in project execution, as well as establishing a monitoring program covering the estuary.
For example, we will start a project to restore the sandbank Hond-Paap so that the bank can grow with rising sea levels. The banks of the Wadden Sea are crucial because birds search for food on these banks.
HID North Netherlands, Joost de Ruig:
‘The ecological strategy for sediment management directly addresses the core tasks of Rijkswaterstaat, namely accessibility, water safety, water quality, and ecology. Good accessibility and water safety cannot exist without a balanced water and ecosystem while also creating opportunities for nature development. As the challenges in the use of the Eems estuary grow, it is good to further develop our cooperation with our eastern neighbors. More integrality is the key word.’
Less Floating Sludge as a Goal
The ecology of the Eems estuary is negatively affected by the high load of floating sediment and the formation of thick layers of liquid sludge. Germany and the Netherlands have therefore set the goal of reducing the concentrations of floating sediment. The target vision for the ecological sediment strategy is primarily focused on improving ecology and water quality, optimizing necessary maintenance activities, and enhancing the resilience of the estuary to climate change, such as the expected rise in sea levels.
More Information Eems-Dollard
An overview of projects that have been carried out since 2019 as part of the ecological strategy for sediment management can be found on the website Eems-Dollard 2050 .