Anti-desiccation projects in the Netherlands, 2001

The fact that full hydrological recovery has only been achieved in a few desiccated areas does not mean that little has been happening in the area of anti-desiccation activities. The following figure shows the areas where anti-desiccation projects are in the preparatory stages, in progress or already completed.
Current situation relating to anti-desiccation projects
Provincial authorities have completed 9% of the anti-desiccation projects for nature areas. Projects are in progress in 12% of the area and projects are in the preparatory stages in 17% of the area. In total, therefore, provincial authorities have taken steps for 38% of the desiccated area. At present, only 3% of the areas desiccated in 1985 have fully recovered (see Recovery of desiccated areas, 2001).
Policy
The objective of anti-desiccation activities was to reduce the desiccated area by 25% in 2000 compared to 1985 (VROM, 1997; V&W, 1998). The aim is to reduce the desiccated area by 40% by 2010 (VROM, 1997).



