Project launch: A new computer application provides cross-border water protection

The Landwirtschaftskammer NRW is working together with a Dutch project partner, the Limburgse Land- en Tuinbouwbond, to intensify their water protection activities through a new initiative for sustainable, low impact land management. This project will also help to ensure the long-term profitability of companies in the Euregio rmn.

Activities in the LOEWE-GIS (Agricultural Optimisation for the Economic Sustainability and Water Protection in the Euregio-rmn – Geographic Information System (Landwirtschaftliche Optimierung zur Existenzsicherung der Betriebe und Wasserschutz in der euregio-rmn – Geo-Informations-System)) project have started in the scope of the European development programme INTERREG III A NL-D-EU in the Euregio Rhein-Maas-Nord.

The aim of the project is to develop a GIS-based tool (computer application) to aid in selecting regional and company-specific measures to improve the quality of groundwater and reduce conflicts between water supply and distribution and agriculture/gardening in the Euregio Rhein-Maas-Nord.

For this reason, a closely linked project structure was established for the duration of the project. Until 30 June 2008, this team will work to ensure constructive cross-border co-operation.

The project employs geographic information systems (GIS), which provide valuable technical support. These help to process the wealth of information gathered about the ways in which land is used for agriculture and gardening as well as the groundwater quality. Necessary agricultural, hydrogeological, pedological and climactic data are gathered from selected areas on both sides of the border. This data is then checked and formatted accordingly. Institutions in the areas of agriculture and water management use the results provided by the LOEWE-GIS computer application for decision-making purposes.

In addition to the great benefit the LOEWE-GIS computer application will have on advisors’ daily work, project participants are especially inspired to establish a lasting exchange between experts on both sides of the border. After all, the border doesn’t change the fact that everyone in the Euregio shares the same water, air and soil.