Nature management

The management area of Zeeland Seaports is an ideal habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna. It goes without saying that the economic interests of the port area are the top priority for Zeeland Seaports. But we try as much as possible to take account of the plants and animals in our area.

One example of our work in this area is the survey we are currently carrying out into the existing biodiversity of the area. Based on this survey Zeeland Seaports can then draw up a policy for maintaining and protecting the existing flora and fauna, not merely because we are bound to statutory rules and regulations on this matter, but also because our policy vision requires us only to permit economic growth with due regard for the environment.

For a number of years now, spoonbills have been colonising a wasteland area along the Quarleshaven. They stay there from the spring onwards during the breeding season and then leave after a few months. They usually remain some six months in the port area, from the spring to the end of August.

During the past few years Zeeland Seaports has left the birds in peace in accordance with the policy. This wasteland area is one of the last sites still available in Vlissingen-Oost. At present proceedings are underway to enable this site to be issued. It will be at least a year before Zeeland sets to work developing and landscaping the site. At present we are only carrying out essential maintenance to ensure that the site does not become too overgrown.

Naturally this work only takes place outside the breeding season so that the birds can remain undisturbed in Vlissingen-Oost.