A growing port needs space. But so do nature and the people living around it. That’s why we’re fully investing in green-blue infrastructure: a smart blend of nature and water. By developing buffer zones and ecological connection areas around the port, we’re shaping a future-ready region where businesses can grow, people love to live, and nature can flourish. A project that proves: economy and ecology can sail together.
From Vlissingen to Ghent, we’re developing a network of nature- and water-rich areas that strengthen both port activity and quality of life. On the Dutch side, we’re creating buffer zones to protect residential areas. On the Flemish side, we’re working step by step on connection areas and nature compensation sites.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
We’re creating green, water-rich buffer zones that naturally separate residential areas from the port. A prime example is De Groene Knoop (The Green Knot) in Westdorpe, a 60-hectare nature area.
We’re developing no less than 730 hectares of connection areas, spread across sixteen sublocations in the Ghent Canal Zone. The Moervaart Valley project alone creates 183 hectares of new nature at four sites, including 22 hectares of wetland specifically designed as ecological compensation for port development.
Our port is growing in a living, breathing environment. Residential areas sit close to port industries, waterways find their flow, and nature needs space. As Port Director, we face a key challenge: how to combine sustainable growth with respect for people and nature?
Through our green-blue infrastructure, we tackle both sides of that challenge. On one hand, we ensure legal certainty for port development, allowing us to keep growing while giving companies the confidence to invest and operate. On the other hand, we’re creating a healthier, more pleasant environment for everyone with more greenery, biodiversity and space for water.
The end result? A vibrant region where economic vitality and a rich living environment flourish side by side. This is more than nature restoration – it’s a shared win for business, people and planet.
Companies can invest in the port with confidence. Thanks to proactive nature compensation in strong ecological zones, permits are processed more smoothly and future growth and investments are secured.
Buffer zones bring peace and a more pleasant living environment where people truly feel at home. Residents enjoy more greenery, cleaner air and new walking paths for recreation.
We restore and strengthen rare and threatened port nature. Connection areas become green corridors; safe havens where plants and animals find a home. Flooding issues? We tackle them smartly, too.
As initiator and Connector, North Sea Port takes the lead in this cross-border project. We bring all parties together – from local and regional authorities and nature organisations to residents, businesses and environmental services. We also take the helm in developing a Port Nature Plan, contribute to long-term vision projects, and invest directly in the creation and management of nature areas. At the same time, we’re exploring new opportunities for connection areas in the Dutch part of our port.
And our approach is paying off: in 2023, we proudly received the prestigious ESPO Award – Europe’s recognition of our boundary-pushing approach. Meanwhile, 359 plant and animal species have already been recorded in the Ghent Canal Zone, and the number of commuters cycling to work has tripled since 2008 — proof that our green course inspires real change.
Implementation is in full swing. In the Ghent Canal Zone, 10 of the 16 connection areas have already been developed. Plans for the Moervaart Valley have been approved, and early on-site works are underway, including the planting of nearly 10,000 trees and shrubs in Oostdonk. In the Netherlands, we’re mapping out new buffer zones together with local partners.
The buffer zones in the Netherlands are expanding to promising locations. In Flanders, the phased development of connection areas and nature compensation sites is in full progress. Large, robust natural areas are taking shape, strengthening legal certainty, regional biodiversity and liveability and contributing to the goals of the Water Framework Directive.
The entire green-blue network stands strong: a living landscape that connects water, nature and people. The result? A resilient region where water safety, biodiversity and prosperity thrive side by side.
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