The creation of tidal wetlands in the freshwater part of the Sea Scheldt is in the first place important because this type of habitat is scarce. Besides, it offers the opportunity to give some land back to the river and to enlarge the dynamic possibilities of the river. This has an impact on the hydrographic regime of the river and can increase flood protection. Finally, wetlands proved to improve the water and sediment quality and sedimentation on the wetland can reduce the need for maintenance dredging in the main river.
Indicator |
code |
Main pressures freshwater zone Scheldt |
Effect? |
Description |
- - |
- |
0 |
+ |
++ |
S.I. |
1.1 |
Habitat loss and degradation during the last about 100 years: Intertidal |
|
|
|
X |
|
Development of scarce tidal wetlands in the freshwater part of the Sea Scheldt (Zeeschelde) |
S.I. |
1.5 |
Gross change of the hydrographic regime during the last about 100 years |
|
|
|
X |
|
Opportunity to give more “space” to the river |
S.I. |
3.1/3.2 |
Decrease of water and sediment chemical quality |
|
|
|
X |
|
Wetlands proved to improve the water and sediment quality |
D.I. |
1.3 |
Land claim during the last about 100 years |
|
|
|
X |
|
Opportunity to give some land back to the river |
D.I. |
1.7 |
Relative Sea Level Rise |
|
|
|
X |
|
Opportunity to increase the flood areas at locations without (or with less) socio-economic costs |
D.I. |
2.4 |
Maintenance dredging |
|
|
|
X |
|
Sedimentation on the wetland means less sediment in the main river |