The Netherlands briefly apologized to UNESCO for the extensive information provided by the UN organization about the gas extraction plans at Ternaard. That writes Omrop Friesland. The assignment was drawn up by Hans Wesseling, representative at Unesco on behalf of the Netherlands.

Due to plans to drill for gas, the Wadden Sea’s World Heritage status may be in jeopardy.

Letters with questions

In May last year, Unesco sent a first letter to the Netherlands, above Schiermonnikoog and the Waddenvereniging at Unesco had raised the alarm about the construction of a power cable through Schiermonnikoog, the gas extraction at Ternaard and the salt extraction in the Western Wad.

Because there was no response, the organization sent a second letter in November. According to UNESCO, gas drilling is incompatible with the international obligations that the Netherlands has to protect, preserve and transfer the world heritage to future generations together with Germany and Denmark.

UNESCO wanted the Netherlands to provide more information about these plans before 15 January. Five days after that deadline, Wesseling’s response to the UN. Wesseling apologized on behalf of the Netherlands for the late response to the Unesco letters.

Proceedings continued

In answers to parliamentary questions, Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Van der Wal stated that he wanted to continue with the intention to extract gas at Ternaard. The NAM has yet to come up with additional information, a final decision will be made later in March.

In his briefing to the world without harm to nature, people and the environment, gas can be drilled at Ternaard.