Famed for reclaiming land from the sea, the Netherlands is now about to return part of its reclaimed land, or polders' to the sea as part of an agreement with Belgium and environmental authorities.
The Hedwige Polder, reclaimed in 1907, will now be 'un-poldered,' allowing the sea to reclaim it in return for habitat lost when Belgium and Holland agreed to widen a shipping channel that leads to Antwerp, Belgium. The affected area lies on the border between the two, and is a bit over 550 acres.
The un-poldering has led to many protests, including the sign above, and to a 10-year delay caused by court cases brought by landowners, some of whom refused to sell their lands or accept compensation under eminent domain. But a Dutch court has now ruled for the government and the plan will proceed.
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