The Nature Regeneration North Sea Program: A Sustainable Approach to Preserving the North Sea Ecosystem
Human touch has taken its toll on the delicate North Sea ecosystem. With the growing pressure of climate change and demand for sustainable energy and food, this ecosystem keeps deteriorating. Preventing or preserving the North Sea now has an exclamation point. As a response, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature has launched the Nature Regeneration North Sea Program which aims to create a more resilient and biodiverse North Sea and enable the co-existence of sustainable use and a thriving ecosystem.
Program Lead Insight at OEEC 2024
At Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) 2024, Jeroen Vis, Program Lead of the Nature Regeneration North Sea program at the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, noted that in addition to existing legislation and frameworks, the program aims to improve the overall ecosystem of the North Sea from the Dutch perspective, but also from the international perspective, supporting better sustainable use.
Vis emphasized the importance of considering the perspective of the sea in the development of offshore wind in the North Sea, highlighting the need for a holistic approach that goes beyond technical and cost aspects.
“It is not only the beauty of the sea we cannot keep taking for granted, it is also preventing or preserving our joint national capital accounts, biodiversity, our livelihoods, food resources, space, energy and genetic resources, etc., but luckily there is a growing awareness that we have to take action on marine nature and biodiversity.”
Long-Term Resilience and Collaboration
According to Vis, the new program emphasizes the need for added actions to ensure the ecosystem’s long-term resilience, as existing policies are mainly focusing on limiting future damage. Working with stakeholders and companies, nature organizations, science and research consultants, and governments, the Dutch Government has reserved a budget of approximately €150 million up until 2030, with hopes of extending the program beyond 2031.
The program takes a learn-by-doing approach, gathering knowledge through practical implementation and monitoring to adapt and improve as needed. The ultimate goal is to achieve a future-proof balance in the North Sea and strengthen its ecosystem.
As for decommissioning, Vis highlights the importance of preserving the qualities of established structures and learning from temporary nature, emphasizing the need for long-term planning and collaboration with policymakers and institutions.
Sharing Knowledge and Encouraging Participation
The program shares the knowledge gathered internationally through a dedicated toolbox, inviting other regions to join the collective mission of large-scale nature enhancement. While nature protection in offshore wind tenders is not yet included, the program aims to influence decision-making by sharing knowledge and insights with policymakers.
In conclusion, Vis encourages individuals and companies to get involved, share ideas, and collaborate to find sustainable solutions for preserving the North Sea ecosystem. By joining forces, sharing information, and applying knowledge, everyone can play a vital role in the mission of nature regeneration in the North Sea.