Mudscapes

Abstract

The Wadden Sea region is characterized as a diverse and contradictory area. On the one hand, it stands as the largest intertidal area globally, supporting a rich and diverse flora and fauna habitat showcasing nature’s power and allure. On the other hand, it is a landscape shaped by human habitation and extensive transformations, including establishing numerous polders, reclaimed land, and imposing dikes. The region’s history reveals the enduring struggle of its inhabitants against the sea over the past millennium, leaving behind a valuable cultural heritage.

One particular area exemplifying this dichotomy is the Ems estuary, which represents the Wadden Sea’s most ecologically compromised section, often referred to as the “yellow river” of Europe. The industrial development occurring along the estuary, including activities like waterway deepening and riverbank embankment, has resulted in substantial alterations to the morphology, hydrology, and ecological composition of the area. The major challenges are the loss of brackish and freshwater marshes and the conflicting objectives of ecological preservation and further waterway deepening. Additionally, the area’s cultural significance often remains overlooked due to its designation as a natural heritage site. Consequently, the region lacks sufficient allure, resulting in a declining population and an inferior economic state compared to the southern Netherlands and the surrounding islands.

This master’s thesis addresses the crisis in the Ems estuary by focusing on the transformative potential of mud as a catalyst. Through a comprehensive study analyzing the status and role of mud and integrating various strategic options, the project explores opportunities for revitalizing the estuary. As the muddiest estuary within the Wadden Sea and the last naturally connected river in the Netherlands, mud plays a vital role in the overall estuarine system, significantly influencing the economy, ecology, and cultural memory formation. The thesis proposes a spatially dynamic transformation of the Ems estuary through small-scale design interventions and pilot projects by conducting research and analysis in these three domains.