Natuurpunt calls on the Flemish government to protect Zeeparkduinen De Panne

The Zeeparkduinen were originally not protected in the Dunes Decree because there was a campsite there. Now that the camping activity has ceased, Natuurpunt is arguing for protection. “The situation has changed. The dune area of ​​more than six hectares, which extends between the North Sea beach and the De Houtsaegerduinen nature reserve, meets the criteria for protection under the dune decree”, it sounds.

Natural protection against flooding

According to Natuurpunt, the dunes in question form a natural protection against marine flooding, which is important in the context of the ever-faster rising sea level. “In addition, the dune massif also retains precipitation water seeping in, creating a fresh groundwater lens that protects the hinterland against salinization. Buildings and pavements reduce the surface sand into which the precipitation water can penetrate and strengthen the fresh groundwater bubble.”

Nature restored since campsite closure

Moreover, nature has already recovered richly since the closure of the campsite six years ago. “Typical dune plants such as blue sea thistle, sea bindweed, sea spurge, sea rocket and sea buckthorn appear in numerous places and the very rare crested lark breeds there,” says Natuurpunt. “The Zeeparkduinen offer a unique opportunity to restore nature and landscape over a distance of almost half a kilometer. This can be done by repurposing the site of the former campsite as a nature reserve and by expropriating it. We call on the Flemish government to fulfill its responsibility here. take for nature, for the sea defences, for the fresh groundwater and for the holiday maker who wants to enjoy the dunes.”