De hydrologische cyclus in de Belgische kustzone en -polders

The Flemish decree for Integrated Water Policy aims to maintain, and, if possible, to strengthen, as much as possible the "natural water cycle" in Flanders. However, one may wonder whether this pursuit is a realistic objective anywhere in Flanders, let alone in the Belgian coastal area as it is an "agriculture artificial landscape" reclaimed from tidal areas by embankment. This definition is widespread and has long been supported by the now outdated theory of the" Dunkirk transgressions" . The current hydrological cycle in the Belgian coastal region is very complex. The variation in the amount of precipitation, the amount of water flowing from the neighbouring countries and the demand of water, especially high during the tourist summer season, causes enormous variations
in water flow and water demand. The hydrological cycle in the Belgian coastal region is therefore not self-sustainable at the moment, especially not in extreme conditions.