|
|
| click for larger map |
LOCATION
The Trondheimsfjord
is situated in west central Norway and acts as a natural boundary between North and South
Norway. The Ørin delta area is where
the river Verdalselva flows into the Trondheimsfjord.
CHARACTERISTICS
The delta comprises
extensive mudflats and sand-banks which are exposed at low tide. Within the delta system there is a large grass meadow, Sea-buckthorn
scrub and a small pine wood.
In autumn 2002 part of the river delta received
international status under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The complete delta system as a biodiverse entity is of conservation
importance and any negative influences or activities within the area will degrade the value of the site.
BIRDLIFE
Ørin is
the most important location for migrating Pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus from the Svaldbard (Spitzbergen) population
with up to 8000 - 9000 individuals resting at Ørin at the same time. The total population is some 40,000 birds. It is also
the most important spring location in Norway for
the Scandinavian population of Common Scoter Melanitta nigra with 1230 birds present simultaneously. The Common Scoter
is on the Red List of Norwegian Birds. Ørin is also a very important migration and wintering location for many other shorebirds
and ducks.
A total of 210 different
bird species have been observed at Ørin.
THE
THREAT TO THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE DELTA
BACKGROUND
Ørin Industrial Park, Aker Kvaerner Verdal and Verdal Harbour
are on the south side of the delta. This area was reclaimed from the sea in the 1960s and 1970s, and was formerly part of
the shoreline between Rinnleiret and Ørin.
In 1988 a large storage site in a mountain was
excavated in the Verdal district. Vast quantities of stone needed to be disposed of, and it was suggested that this could
be used for the expansion of the industrial park. The local authorities agreed to extend the industrial park to the north.
A large part of the river delta was therefore recategorised as industrial land, and the stone from the storage site was used
to build a breakwater (photos) around the whole area.
The area has remained enclosed by the breakwater
since 1988. But now the local authorities plan to fill in the area. In order to achieve this, they want to pump over 2 million
cubic metres of material from outside the breakwater. Before such an operation is carried out the law requires an environmental
impact assessment study. Several biological and geological surveys have been carried out in the area since summer 2001.
The local council in Verdal had hoped to avoid
the need for an environmental impact assessment of the area inside the breakwater, and have already begun to gradually fill
in the area. The Norwegian Ornithological Society (NOF) have complained about this on several occasions. Following recommendations
from the Department of the Environment (MD) in spring 2002, the local council have now stopped all work within the breakwater.
The council have also been advised to make a new regulation plan for the area, wherein they pay more attention to the environmental
value of the river delta. The new plan is due to be drafted and developed by the council in February/March 2003.
THE CURRENT POSITION
There are signs that the local council want to reduce the total area of the
northern part of the industrial estate (Ørin-Nord) but, despite massive protests, still want to reclaim more land within the
breakwater.The Norwegian Ornithological Society have amassed a vast amount of information from the Ørin area in particular
and the river delta in general since the 1980s. In various reports, including those from The Norwegian Institute for Nature
Research (NINA) and the Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management (DN), Ørin is mentioned as being of international importance.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Proact has been approached for help by a Proact
member of the Norwegian Ornithological Society (NOF). Our aim is to show communal and national authorities that matters of
local environmental concern are nowadays also of international
interest. Globalisation is not confined to multinational companies and financial institutions
- but increasingly to unite conservationists in common causes.
The importance of the Ørin delta means that the proposed development plans are among the worst current environmental
threats in Norway.
Reclamation of the area within the breakwater
will mean that Norway will break several of the international conventions to which it is a signatory nation.
Go to the draft texts and register your personal protest and concern. Proact Team letters wit over 730 signatures will be sent to the targets of
our campaign.
Thank you,
David Conlin, Proact International
The Norwegian Ornithological society (NOF)
|
