Object saved, landscape lost? A model for evaluating and mitigating the effects of climate change on the dykes of the Netherlands.

GERHARDMARK VAN DER WAAL
Stichting Dorp, Stad & Land

A detailed study of heritage objects and structures along the Oosterschelde (Easter Scheldt) in the Dutch province Zeeland, indicated the anticipated effect of changes in the size and height of dykes on the landscape. These changes will have an impact on the perception of the landscape from the sea and of the sea from the land.

In the last quarter of 2007 a heritage survey was executed on the sea dyke of the Oosterschelde with a view to select objects and structures for conservation. This survey was commissioned in preparation of a huge programme by Rijkswaterstaat (a government agency) to reinforce the existing dyke. It was necessary to reinforce the dyke due to the rising of the sea level and its expected rise in future. The intention was to replace the entire existing cladding of the dyke on the sea side with a many times heavier cladding, partly with differently laid reused material, partly with new material.

An intervention on the scale of the dyke reinforcement in Zeeland, more than one hundred kilometres of dyke, has a serious effect on historic objects and structures such as harbours, sluices, oyster farming and stone markers along the dyke.

Fieldwork suggested a different approach to the assessment method than the classic technique of describing en evaluating objects within their own discipline (Archaeology, Landscape or Built Environment). A solution was found in a more integrated, spatial approach developed by taking the location of objects and their interrelationships as point of departure. This resulted in a pattern of clusters which not only makes more sense in the natural experience of objects by people but also seems an effective way of mitigating the effects of changes in volume and form of the dyke by even more drastic interventions in future. Late last year the Dutch government presented the National Water Plan, a major operation over many years to ensure that the Low Countries are the safest delta on earth during the next century.

The presentation will demonstrate the evaluation model and will highlight some of the humble, but significant heritage objects and clusters identified along the Oosterschelde.