Study launched on possibility of artificial island off the coast

Flemish minister for public works Ben Weyts has set aside €8 million for a study into the possibility of buildings an artificial island off the coast of Knokke-Heist. The plan, which has the backing of state secretary for the North Sea Philippe De Backer, would see works starting in 2020.

The idea of constructing an island as protection against rising sea levels and the “thousand-year storm” is being spearheaded by private-sector initiative Vlaamse Baaien. “We have protected the coast mainly by replenishing sand and raising dykes,” Weyts said. “That work focuses on protection to the year 2050, but with this project we’re looking forward to 2100, in preparation for a rise of 80 centimetres or more in the sea level.”

The island would cover 40 hectares and be built 12 kilometres off the coast of Knokke. Research would then be carried out on the island to study its effects on waves and tidal patterns. If appropriate, the island could later be extended to up to 450ha.

As well as its protective function, Weyts also foresees other benefits of the island. “It could offer a home to the terns of Zeebrugge,” he said. “It could be possible to build a marina between Zeebrugge and Knokke-Heist, and it could be a staging post for inland water transport to make traffic between Zeebrugge and the Scheldt possible.”

Municipal authorities in Knokke, meanwhile, are concerned that the island would be bad for the tourist industry, particularly the water-sport sector. By contrast, Bredene mayor Steve Vandenberghe said his town would be willing to welcome the island off their coast.

Weyts, however, noted that the location off Knokke-Heist had not been chosen at random. “The western and middle parts of the coast are pretty much ready for a rise in sea levels of 80cm, but the eastern coast remains a weak link,” he said.

Photo courtesy buytaert.net