Flevokust Port: where economy and ecology reinforce each other
A port and business park where construction is in full swing whilst, at the same time, space is being created for new nature. At Flevokust Haven, economic development and ecology have gone hand in hand from the very beginning. Through a unique approach to soil management, new nature reserves, wadis, rows of trees and flower-rich herb mixtures, work is underway to create a business park that is not only functional but also green, biodiverse and climate-resilient.
Flevokust Haven is situated in a location with a remarkable history. Following the reclamation of Flevoland, a large freshwater fish farm was established here. It fell into disuse from the early 1990s onwards. Parts of the old fish ponds and dykes are still visible in the landscape.
Klaas de Jonge, civil engineering project manager at Lelystad City Council, explains: “In 2016, we were granted permission to develop the area. At that time, Flevokust Haven had already decided to carry out this development in a nature-inclusive way.” This was not merely about restoring the natural habitats lost as a result of the development. The ambition was greater: to create a stronger and more resilient ecosystem than the one that originally existed.
Nature was part of the design from the outset
Whereas nature is sometimes only incorporated into area development as an afterthought, ecology has been a key consideration at Flevokust Haven from the very start. Nature, water, soil, infrastructure and economic activity have been considered in an integrated manner. This requires close cooperation between the municipality of Lelystad, the province of Flevoland, ecologists, engineers and other stakeholders. Together, they are seeking solutions that not only facilitate the area’s economic development but also deliver ecological added value.
“At Flevokust Haven, right from the start of the project, we were already thinking about a solution to bring the economy and ecology together. Often, the focus is initially and exclusively on the economic efficiency of a business park. But by making ecology an integral part of the foundation, we have now created a unique ecological system, and we are very proud of that,” says De Jonge. The result is an industrial estate where space for businesses goes hand in hand with space for water, trees, plants, insects and other animals.
On the southern side of Flevokust Haven, there is now a nature and compensation area covering around 24 hectares. This area provides a habitat for beavers and otters, amongst other species. Elsewhere in the area, rows of trees, watercourses, wadis and herb-rich vegetation provide new habitats and connecting routes.
A unique approach to soil management
An important part of the ecological approach lies beneath the ground. The soil of Flevokust Haven tells the story of the landscape of the past. Where business activity is now flourishing, the Zuiderzee once lay. The various soil layers still bear traces of the past influences of salt and fresh water, evident, for example, in the many shells found in the ground. This soil is not naturally suited to allowing new trees and plants to grow in it straight away. That is why a special method is being used to restore the existing soil and accelerate its maturation.
“We won’t be bringing in any soil to replace the trees, nor will we be removing any,” explains ecologist Liselotte Coenen. “We’re going to revitalise the existing soil so that it’s suitable for the project. That’s quite remarkable. It’s the first time in Europe that this has been done in this way.”
By reusing the soil within the area, there is no need to bring in or remove large quantities of material. This reduces the number of transport journeys and prevents the wastage of valuable raw materials. At the same time, the soil is gradually being prepared to support a more diverse and sustainable ecosystem.
Water, trees and flower-filled connections
Efforts are also being made above ground to increase biodiversity. Wadis collect rainwater and allow it to seep gradually into the ground. In doing so, they help prevent flooding during heavy downpours and retain water for longer during dry spells. At the same time, they provide an attractive habitat for plants, insects and other animals.
Trees are being planted along various parts of the site. These trees not only provide shade and shelter, but also form recognisable flight paths for bats. Flower-rich herb mixtures attract a wide variety of insects and, thanks to their diversity, create a stronger ecosystem.
It is precisely this diversity that is important. Every tree, plant and flower has its own role within the ecosystem. Together, they ensure that the area is better able to withstand heat, drought, heavy rainfall and other consequences of a changing climate.
Measuring, learning and continuing to improve
The ecological development of Flevokust Haven does not stop once the trees and flowers have been planted. Measurements are taken at various locations to monitor what is happening in the area. Sensors collect information on, amongst other things, the soil, water storage, weather conditions, heat, wind and biodiversity. This data enables targeted adjustments to be made, allowing the business park to continue to develop further.
This approach aligns with the broader sustainability ambitions of Flevokust Haven. The area is being developed into a BREEAM-certified business park. This involves looking not only at individual buildings, but also at the quality and future-proofing of the entire area.
“ At Flevokust Haven, we found a way to bring the economy and the environment together. ”
Klaas de Jonge