Having been sealed off by the Haringvlietdam, tidal action in the Haringvliet waterway has been practically eradicated. This has in turn had negative consequences for example for fish migration and water quality. In 2011, in what is known as the Kierbesluit, the government decided to partially restore tidal action in the waterway. In collaboration with Imares and Waterarchitect, Grontmij developed the Balance Island concept for a natural sand island located in front of the Haringvlietdam. The position of the island reduces the penetration of seawater into the Haringvliet while at the same time creating new opportunities for natural development and tourism in the entire area.

Balance Island
The consortium’s idea is based on extending the existing shallow waters of the Hinderplaat sandbar, located on the seaward side of the Haringvlietdam, in a southerly direction, by means of sand suppletion. This process results in the creation of a barrier island (Balance Island) and the water is forced to flow through a mud hole. As a consequence, a nature area of almost 100 km² is created, with a unique tidal environment, while penetration into the Haringvliet itself by seawater is restricted. This project is also attractive from an economic perspective. The costs for ‘construction’ of the island are lower than those of the compensation measures that have to be taken according to the Kierbesluit Decree in respect of agriculture, fishery, nature and recreation.

Delta Alliance Young Professional Award
Young Delta professionals from all over the world were invited to submit their innovative and creative solutions for the serious challenges currently facing the world’s deltas. The three winners yesterday presented their solutions to an international audience during the Rio+20 United Nations Conference. They also received prize money to enable them to further develop their solution in collaboration with a leading international institute or business, in the Netherlands. The The Award is an initiative of the Delta Alliance.