This work presents the state of the art of aquatic and semi-aquatic ecological restoration projects in The Netherlands. Starting from the conceptual basis of restoration ecology, the successes and failures of hundreds of restoration projects are described. Numerous successful projects are mentioned. In general ecological restoration endeavours greatly benefit from the progressive experience achieved in the course of the years. Failures mainly occur through insufficient application of physical, chemical or ecological principles. Spontaneous colonization by plants and animals, following habitat...

The Oosterschelde Estuary is one of the estuaries in the Netherlands which remained after the Delta scheme was completed in 1986. In the Seventies, the Oosterschelde became a national symbol of the change in political thinking and decision-making about the values of our natural environment. As a result of political decision, a storm-surge barrier was built in the mouth of the estuary, as a compromise between safety for the human population and nature conservation.