During the further extension of the docks in the Waasland, areas, protected by the birds directive nr. 3.6 tidal marshes and polders of the Lower Scheldt will be destroyed. The loss of habitats of:
- the breeding and non-breeding birds in appendix I of the birds directive;
- internationally important concentrations of overwintering and migrating bird species and
- the rare Flemish breeding birds for which an important part of the population nested in this area will be compensated. This study will focus on the potential for nature development of an area of ± 130 ha: the "zuidelijke groenzone". The area can be divided in two different parts: the southern part is a depression with pools and very humid parcels. The vegetation consists mostly of reed borders and other marshy vegetations. The altitude of the northern part is slightly higher because of the storage of sludge. The soil is dryer and more calcareous. Both gradients offer a large potential for nature development.