Goeree-Overflakkee adopts climate-resilient plan to tackle water, nature and agriculture challenges
Residents of Goeree-Overflakkee can expect a more sustainable future as local authorities and stakeholders unite to address water scarcity, nature conservation, and agricultural resilience. The newly adopted area plan introduces 14 projects to balance economic and ecological needs.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Goeree-Overflakkee, South Holland |
| Stakeholders | Municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee, Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland, Province of South Holland, nature organisations, agricultural sector |
| Key Challenges | Drought, waterlogging, salinisation, water quality, nature and landscape |
| Number of Projects | 14 |
| Focus Areas | Water system resilience, nature connectivity, agricultural compensation |
| Funding Decision | Second half of 2026 (subject to available resources) |
| Implementation Start | Potential early launches in collaboration with stakeholders |
The province of South Holland plays a coordinating role in regional development, ensuring policies align with broader environmental and economic goals. The Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland, as the local water authority, is responsible for managing water systems and safeguarding quality and availability.
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Area Plan for Goeree-Overflakkee: Climate, Agriculture, Nature and Water
The plan outlines the key challenges facing the region, including managing drought, waterlogging and salinisation, improving water quality, and strengthening agriculture, landscape and nature.
At the end of 2025, the area plan for Goeree-Overflakkee was completed in collaboration with all stakeholders, including the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee and the Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland. The province of South Holland has now formally adopted the area plan. This marks an important step in the joint approach to water, nature and climate on the island.
Piet van der Eijk, member of the Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland’s water system board: “The area plan highlights the key features of Goeree-Overflakkee and the challenges the island faces. This includes managing drought, waterlogging and salinisation, improving water quality, and strengthening nature, agriculture and the landscape.”
Concrete projects
These challenges have been translated into measures and 14 specific projects proposed by various area partners. For example, the water authority aims to investigate how the water system can be made more robust and future-proof. This should help prevent water shortages and improve water quality. Nature organisations have submitted a plan to better connect natural areas at the northern tip of Goeree, making it easier for wildlife to move around and strengthening the ecosystem. From the agricultural sector, a proposal has been made to clarify how farming businesses contribute to water, climate and nature. Farmers who perform well in this regard may eventually receive financial compensation.
The Goeree-Overflakkee area plan is one of 16 such plans in South Holland. The strength of these area plans lies in their area-specific approach. This also applies to the Goeree-Overflakkee plan: parties are working together based on the island’s unique characteristics and needs.
A future-proof island
The area plan ensures coherence in choices and projects related to agriculture, water, nature and climate. It helps to gradually build a future-proof island where a balance is struck between economic and ecological interests.
Collaboration as the foundation
The area plan was developed in collaboration with agricultural parties, nature organisations, the water authority, business and recreation groups, the municipality and the province. The plan sets out agreements and directions for the area’s development over the coming years. It enjoys broad support among all stakeholders, demonstrating that the need for collaboration is widely recognised. The partners also intend to maintain this collaborative approach during implementation.
Arne Weverling, Deputy: “This area plan shows what is possible when authorities and local stakeholders work together. Everyone has contributed from their own role and responsibilities. As a province, we have played our part in developing the plan, and now our task is to work with our partners to ensure these plans are implemented, with a focus on the people who live and work here.”
Next steps and implementation
In the second half of 2026, the province will decide on the funding for new projects under the area plans, subject to available resources. The water authority and municipalities will deploy their knowledge and expertise so that, in collaboration with the agricultural sector and nature organisations, projects can potentially be launched in advance.
Henk van Putten, Alderman: “Goeree-Overflakkee is a unique island where water, nature and agriculture have been intertwined for centuries. That is precisely why the challenges around water, nature and climate are so important here. With this area plan, we are showing that we are jointly taking responsibility to keep the landscape strong and resilient for future generations.”
Photo: Stad aan 't Haringvliet