Image: Studio Marco Vermeulen
We, in collaboration with Studio Marco Vermeulen, carried out an area exploration of the Gedeelde Peel on behalf of the municipality of Horst aan de Maas. The Gedeelde Peel borders the Mariapeel. The Mariapeel is a protected nature reserve of approximately 1,400 hectares, designated as a Natura 2000 site, a bird directive area, and a habitat directive area. It is also an important area for recreation and tourism. Rewetting the area seems like a good strategy to combat the drying out of the Mariapeel and improve the quality of the nature. However, this also has consequences for the types of land use that will be possible there in the future.
Images: Studio Marco Vermeulen
Challenges in the Gedeelde Peel
This area exploration examined how the municipality can offer prospects to farmers at the intersection of nature and agriculture, while preserving vulnerable ecosystems and simultaneously creating space for new revenue models in an increasingly complex region. In addition, the study explored whether major challenges—such as the energy transition, soil drying, and nitrogen emissions—can also act as drivers for creating a more attractive landscape and serve as a catalyst for enhancing recreation and tourism.
Alternative land use models
As part of this exploration, 16 alternative forms of land use were proposed and assessed for their potential to address the region’s challenges. Examples include wet food cultivation, silvopasture, strip cropping, and the integration of solar panels with soft fruit farming.
Financial feasibility
As part of the area exploration, we contributed by assessing the financial feasibility of the 16 alternative land use models. For each model, we evaluated several economic indicators: the revenue model, earning capacity, and financial viability. We also examined market indicators, including market readiness and growth potential of the sales market. Additionally, we mapped out the potential contributions these models could make to various policy domains, as well as the extent to which supportive policy frameworks and instruments are currently in place.
All land use models were then scored based on these indicators. This allowed us to compare the different options in terms of economic viability, market maturity and potential, and their likely contributions to policy objectives.