Van Aa naar Zee systeemontwikkeling van bron tot estuarium: Historische landschapsecologische systeemanalyse van het stroomgebied van de Westerwoldse Aa en interpretatie voor ontwikkeling van een estuarien overgangsgebied

This report was prepared for the “Van Aa naar Zee” initiative in Northeast Groningen. It contains a study on the possibilities for the development of an estuarine transition zone between the catchment area of the Westerwoldse Aa and the Ems-Dollard. To this end, a Historical Landscape Ecological System Analysis (HLESA) was carried out (Part I of this report). The genesis and current state of the landscape are described by successively addressing the factors that shape the landscape: ‘Earth’, ‘Man’, and ‘Nature’. The dynamics within and between these factors, such as climate change, are also discussed. Part II of the report addresses the future of the area. The starting point is a development based on the principle that natural processes, water and soil, should define land use. We seek the restoration of a freshwater-saltwater estuarine transition zone. However, not without anticipating agricultural and other economic development. For this “building blocks” have been designed and illustrated. These may enable integrated, design-oriented area processes, necessary to realise the unique potential for estuarine development on a national and Northwest European scale.