The northern Maasvallei, and especially the Maasheggen, is a uniquely beautiful area with a long history. A series of natural reserves along the Maas, The Maasheggen are an invaluable cultural landscape. Several processes, projects and programmes have been simultaneously initiated in the area by many different parties. Over Morgen has been asked to draft a comprehensive, integrated implementation programme for the northern Maasvallei.
Our solution
Our implementation programme revolves around the main tasks and ambition. The ambition for the northern Maasvallei is: “to develop the Maasheggen on the basis of its cultural-historical, ecological and recreational value as an interconnected natural reserve with UNESCO biosphere status, whereby the Maasheggen serve as a “green catalyst” for the spatial and economic development of the northern Maasvallei.” This ambition has been translated into various programme elements and projects. The implementation programme gives an overview of the necessary projects, resources and work processes. The result is a well-supported and feasible implementation programme that presents all initiatives, projects and tasks in a coherent way, in writing (reports), in pictures (maps) and in overview (project books).
This ambition sets a clear goal: to obtain the UNESCO biosphere status for the Maasheggen area. The UNESCO biosphere status will be awarded only if we join forces to restore the cultural-historical landscape of the Maasheggen. An important project towards the achievement of our goal is the implementation of the Brabant Ecological Network (NNB). Once the Maasheggen blossom, the landscape and economy of the northern Maasvallei will flourish. By investing in its historical, natural and cultural landscape, the area is putting itself back on the map. After completion of the implementation programme, Over Morgen has assisted the project partners in submitting their application for the UNESCO ‘Man and the biosphere’ programme.
More information on the participation of the Maasheggen in the UNESCO biosphere programme is available in our story map: www.maasheggenunesco.com