Ecology and economy

How can you gear ecological and economic interests? This issue will been paid plenty of attention in the years to come. The effect on the economy and on nature has been rendered visible in a so-called eco-effect monitor.

Economic effects

An important objective is to reinforce the Frisian economy. More work and more turnover thanks to an efficient infrastructure and higher expenditure. The most important expectations are:

• increased expenditure by recreational boats, from 34 to 37 million Euros 
• structural growth from 600 to 1165 jobs 
• cost saving of 2.5 million Euros per year for the business community, thanks to improved traffic flows
• annual appreciation of houses of 5 to 7.5 million Euros per year, thanks to better accessibility 

Effect on nature

The Frisian Lakes are not only an attractive water sports area, but in many cases also a unique habitat for very special plant and animal species. All measures taken by the Frisian Lakes project have therefore been monitored in terms of their effect on nature and the environment. This has shown most of the measures to have no detrimental effect. Occasionally however, areas may be so vulnerable that alternative plans are required in order to achieve the intended results. The Frisian Lakes project will make a further 10 to 20 million Euros available for these extra investments in nature quality.

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